Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer The growing issue of homelessness is one that the United States, and Florida especially, is all too familiar with. With the cost of living skyrocketing, it’s no wonder that the homeless population is at a record-breaking high, and our local government seems hell-bent on aggravating the situation rather than helping. […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer On September 6th of this year, the Miami-Dade school board voted to designate October as LGBTQ History Month. Those there to witness the decision saw the Proud Boys protesting outside the building in shirts that linked the queer community to pedophiles. This tense and hateful tone carried on throughout the […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer There are 27 remaining lesbian bars/clubs in the United States. None of those are in Florida. As a newly out lesbian, I admit I was a bit naïve to think that finding community would be simple. Much of the media made by and for lesbians, which is not a whole […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer For the second year in a row, the Homecoming Council canceled Panthermonium, the (previously) annual fall homecoming concert. While the official reason concerns their funds and budget, which the Student Government Association controls, being reduced significantly, SGA President Alexander Sutton stated in PantherNOW’s article that the administration plans on phasing […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer When I came across Ash + Chess’s Instagram post in early May announcing that they designed merchandise for Target’s new pride collection, I was cautious but excited. I am generally distrustful of corporations pandering to any one community, as companies will always choose profits over people at the end of […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer A worrying trend always cropping up during times of civil unrest is resurfacing. Northerners, even those in any liberal state, always equate the morality – or lack thereof – of those in government with the morals of the people living there. Often, non-Southern liberals will claim to care about the well-being […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer My doctor asked when my last period was at my recent doctor’s appointment. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t comfortable disclosing that. As a female Floridian, I no longer feel safe with any institution knowing details about my reproductive system. This newfound fear comes with the signing […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer Gov. Ron DeSantis is becoming an enemy to all Florida citizens, with his newest targets being the undocumented as he signs the most extreme anti-immigration bill into law. DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1718 on Wednesday, May 10. Aiming to restrict immigration, the bill requires employers to verify their employees eligibility […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer As a US citizen, I already live with a sense of fear. Any open area feels like a shooting range. With House Bill 543, a new legislation allowing permitless carry of firearms, any regular day may very well be my last. Though the exact number is disputed, between 143 and […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer Attacks on LGBT, and particularly, trans youth are at an all-time high following a new anti-queer legislation. Senate Bill 254 would let the government kidnap children from parents who are seeking out gender-affirming healthcare for their trans kids. It would also criminalize healthcare providers that offered this opportunity to trans […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer A friendly relationship between the military and public schools is incredibly reckless and dangerous. The newest legislation, the Military Veterans for Teacher Certification Program, is just another avenue for low-income communities to be targeted by military indoctrination. The Military Veterans Certification Pathway would allow “qualified candidates” who haven’t yet earned […]
Mariantonia Mejia | Staff Writer Artificial intelligence, specifically the art it creates, is crossing the line between a fun experiment and a dangerous misuse of advanced technology. With a rise in the popularity of AI art, real artists see their income suffer as a result, since people can now get whatever art piece they want […]
