Plus: A need to ‘call out racism in all of its forms’
(Haiyun Jiang | The New York Times) President Donald Trump signs an executive order that would diminish the Department of Education in East Room of the White House in Washington, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order that he said would “begin eliminating the federal Department of Education once and for all,” although the agency cannot be closed without the approval of Congress.
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When 92-year-old Marlene Kaiser emailed me last week, she had a lot to say about what is going on in the U.S. Department of Education. The former educator had spent decades working on special education programs, many of which were supported by the education department and helped bring some “students out of basements.”
“Over my career, I worked with thousands of other people all over the USA to develop special education for students aged 3 to 21. It was a hard fight,” she wrote in a letter to the editor that came out of our conversation. “The elimination of the Department of Education will have a drastic effect on all students and disabled people.”
I’m grateful for Ms. Kaiser’s willingness to share her personal experience with our readers, which sparked debate on our website.
“Somehow, public education seemed to be doing just fine before the creation of the department,” one commenter wrote. “Some of what they do was already being done by other departments.”
“As a retired educator, I can vouch for one of the benefits of a national Department of Education,” another commented. “Since its inception it has been a major proponent of developing, funding, and protecting programs for disadvantaged ethnic minority populations in this country.”
“Will the state Legislature step up and fund all of the programs and grants that have until now been under the Department of Education, at the current levels?” another mused. “Sure. And pigs fly.”
Do you have a unique perspective to share on a local and timely issue? Shoot me an email and let’s talk about a potential letter to the editor or op-ed.
Help wanted: Join The Tribune’s editorial board
(Various Voices contributors) A look at some of the Voices contributors published between April 2024 and July 2024.
The Salt Lake Tribune is searching for a community member to join its editorial board, which meets once a week to discuss Utah’s most pressing issues and provide a longer view, in the form of a published editorial, on where we’re headed.
Tell us what we should be discussing — and why you want to serve on the board.
Utah Voices
A 50-year-old measles patient in Seminole, Texas, on Feb. 24, 2025. (Desiree Rios/The New York Times)
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
In support of vaccines
“It’s safe to say I was afraid of the havoc the novel coronavirus could wreak on our community when I received my first COVID vaccine in 2021,” writes Dr. Ally Fraser. “Today, as a pediatrician, I’m perhaps more concerned about measles’ potential impacts on Utah’s youth. Those who are vulnerable to the disease are at risk of developing devastating respiratory infections, inflammation of the brain tissue and even death.” Read more.
“Some may argue that American taxpayers shouldn’t fund vaccines abroad when needs persist at home. But this is a false choice,” write Emma Petty Addams and Jill Fairholm with Mormon Women for Ethical Government. “The truth is, pandemics do not respect borders. Investing in vaccines globally makes us all safer.” Read more.
Preventing child abuse in Utah
“The significance of SB205 cannot be overstated,” writes The Policy Project’s Sandi Snowden. “The first time I engaged with the abuse prevention curriculum, I went to my car and wept. Had I been taught these lessons early on, I might have recognized grooming behaviors, identified safe adults, discerned inappropriate actions and, most importantly, understood that the abuse I endured was not my fault.” Read more.
A need for a west-side high school
“Residents of Glendale and surrounding communities have long campaigned for a local high school, to no avail,” writes Russell Askren. “The inequity of the situation is obvious. The board can give action to its commitment to equity for all students, build a west-side high school and still rebuild West and Highland High Schools.” Read more.
Rooting out racism in religion
“We cannot lose our ability to recognize and call out racism in all of its forms,” writes filmmaker and songwriter Mauli Junior Bonner. “I personally believe that promoting slavery or restricting people from the blessings of the gospel based on the color of their skin is indeed racist. If we’re not able to recognize those types of behaviors as racist, then how will we recognize it and root it out today?” Read more.
A call for veterans
“As a 76-year-old Vietnam veteran, I can say the obligatory ‘thank you for your service’ is better than the hatred many of us faced upon returning home,” writes Glenn Wright, who volunteered for two tours in Vietnam. “But the phrase rings hollow when we elect leaders who disrespect veterans and their sacrifices. We, as veterans, deserve more than just words of gratitude.” Read more.
What’s that smell?
“Overplanting Callery pears has not only led to unpleasant springtime odor, but to the rise of disease and city streets lined with dying trees just when those trees should be reaching their mature size,” writes Mike Lorenc, a lead horticulturist at Conservation Garden Park. Read more.
Share Your Perspective
(Jud Burkett | Special to The Tribune) The Desert Canyons neighborhood of St. George, Thursday, March 20, 2025.
A new report shows that Utahns born into low-income families still have a better chance of making more than their parents than if they were born elsewhere — but younger Utahns have lost some ground. Share your perspective: Do you think you have better economic mobility than previous generations? Why or why not?
From Bagley’s Desk
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.