The University of Utah's Independent Student Voice

The Daily Utah Chronicle

The University of Utah's Independent Student Voice

The Daily Utah Chronicle

The University of Utah's Independent Student Voice

The Daily Utah Chronicle

Zions National Park in Springdale. (Photo by Cassandra Palor | Daily Utah Chronicle)

Starr: Distant outdoor adventures can wait

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer April 22, 2020

  In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, government officials have pushed to close national parks and place increasing limitations on public land. While some may see these actions as too...

Dinosaur fossils at the Natural History Museum of Utah. (Photo by Hailey Danielson | The Daily Utah Chronicle)

Starr: The legislature should revisit and pass the Utahraptor State Park bill next session

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer April 22, 2020

  Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks bring in millions of visitors each year, but state parks are just as important as national parks — even though they fly under many tourists’ radars....

Community engagement around local environmental issues is absolutely critical. (Courtesy Peakpx)

Starr: Draper shouldn’t expand Geneva Rock’s gravel pit

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer April 21, 2020

  Last spring, Geneva Rock, a construction company with locations dotted across the Wasatch Front, reapplied to Draper City for a rezone to enlarge their already sizeable gravel pit at the point...

Gender inclusion procedures must be adopted by each local school board in the state of Utah to help foster widespread acceptance in our communities and facilitate greater visibility for students and faculty who are gender non-conforming. (Courtesy Flickr)

Starr: All Gender Non-Conforming Students Deserve Visibility

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer April 18, 2020

  This year, the Salt Lake City Board of Education strengthened their district’s administrative procedures by updating the gender inclusion policy and laying out transition plans for both students...

The front gate of the Utah State Prison in Draper. (Photo by J. Prather | The Daily Utah Chronicle)

Starr: ‘Flattening the Curve’ Shouldn’t Exclude the Incarcerated

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer April 11, 2020

  Utahns have been directed to remain in their own household as much as possible to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The state’s K-12 schools, higher education campuses and churches have all,...

Starr: Asylum for Your Assault Rifle?

Starr: Asylum for Your Assault Rifle?

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer February 26, 2020

Last month, commissioners voted unanimously to make Uintah County a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County.” The ordinance seats the county as the first and only municipality in Utah to designate itself...

Kennedie Starr writes that fragile desert tortoises should not pay the price of population growth. (Courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

Starr: Prioritize The Growth Of Threatened Species, Not Just Humans

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer February 13, 2020

  The Northern Corridor is a proposed highway in Washington County that would result in alarming environmental consequences. The public scoping period, which is used to identify relevant influences...

Clever marketing and unconventional health campaigns will better reach the youth of this state.
(Graphic by Jose Garcia | The Daily Utah Chronicle)

Starr: The Utah Way of Ignorance and Disease

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer February 8, 2020

  Earlier this month, an HIV awareness campaign was brought to a standstill by Governor Herbert. “Suggestive” condom wrappers appeared to be the hardline that the Department of Health crossed...

(Photo by Mark Draper | Daily Utah Chronicle)

Starr: Trump’s Environmental Deregulation Will Have Long-Lasting Consequences

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer January 28, 2020

  There is no question about President Trump’s dedication to eroding critical environmental regulations and procedures. From shrinking treasured monuments in our backyard to purging greenhouse...

Every once and a while, and it is a good idea to drop the “do it for the ‘gram” attitude. (Photo by Chris Hammock | Daily Utah Chronicle)

Starr: Don’t Endanger the Environment For the ‘Gram

By Kennedie Starr, Opinion Writer January 18, 2020

  Nature photography is a beautiful form of expression, and powerful, pocket-accessible devices like cell phones make it easy for most people to try nature photography themselves. These images...