Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
It’s been less than two weeks since President Donald Trump was sworn in. Since then, his administration has released a slew of orders impacting social media, health care and more.
In The Tribune’s Voices space, and on social media, Utahns have been sharing the impact of these orders — particularly as it relates to immigration and schools.
On The Tribune’s Instagram post about schools’ response to the order, Utahns shared their perspectives and experiences.
“Teachers are not the ones to mess with. We are willing to take a bullet for our students … we will do what it takes to keep them safe from ICE.”
“Imagine sneaking your family into Disney Land? You think they are going to let you stay in and enjoy the rides? Or imagine driving with your kids in the car and you’re intoxicated and cops pull you over. They are separating you from the children. Like what do you expect.”
“10 years from now, all those little kids will grow up to hate cops. Because one of their most traumatic memories will be police/law enforcement hauling their friends away.”
“That should help with overcrowding in schools. Sounds like a win.”
“Yes, because a 7-year-old child is causing such great harm in the school systems (sarcasm). Over crowded or not, people should be ashamed of themselves for thinking this is OK. The harm and unnecessary fear it will cause is repulsive to me 😢”
“My heart broke when I saw the inhumane immigration order. But then my hope in humanity rose as I saw people with heart and courage step up and speak out. We can each make a difference, even when dangerous leaders are in power.”
Give us a follow on Instagram to join the conversation and stay in-the-know.
Utah Voices
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) A Utah Education Association member holds up a sign against HB267 during a press conference after lawmakers postponed action on the bill at the Capitol in Salt Lake City Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
Utah unions
“Banning collective bargaining by these organizations — which no one is forced to join and no entity is forced to bargain with — will create far more problems than it would supposedly solve,” writes Deborah Gatrell, a social studies teacher. “[HB267] is a solution in search of a problem that, if passed, will result in significant harm to you, the taxpayers, our dedicated professionals and the constituencies we serve — especially the kids.” Read more.
Sex education
“Rep. Peck might think the purpose of her bill is to punish Planned Parenthood. But others know the real impact will be felt by the parents of the nearly 80,000 Utah students who — if her bill becomes law — will no longer have the option to provide their kids with age-appropriate sex education classes taught by our trained teachers,” writes Brittany Breneman, the education director at Planned Parenthood Association of Utah. “Also harmed will be many Utah school districts and charter schools who will need to scramble to purchase new curriculums and hire instructors to cover this state mandated instruction.” Read more.
Homelessness
“As the Trump Administration considers alternatives to the status quo at HUD, it should look to Utah as an example of a state leading the way towards a new approach to homelessness that takes seriously the crisis unfolding on the streets of America’s once-great cities,” writes Devon Kurtz, the director of public safety policy at the Cicero Institute. Read more.
Public health
“A vote for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would take America back to a troubling era when countless children suffered and died from horrific infections, leaving many with lifelong disabilities,” write Susana Williams Keeshin, an infectious disease clinician, and Katharine S. Walter, an infectious disease epidemiologist. “As we face 2025, following the hottest year on record and concerning reports of new influenza strains, it is crucial we look ahead.” Read more.
Victims of nuclear fallout
“Residents of northern Utah have been excluded from RECA for the past 30 years, even as studies suggest that they were exposed to comparable levels of radiation,” writes Mike Maxwell, chair of the Salt Lake Area Chapter of Latter-day Saint Earth Stewardship. “Instead, they have been abandoned. Now, Utah’s senators and representatives have the chance to correct this long-standing neglect.” Read more.
Share Your Perspective
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Suzeann and Tasia Meaders holds a sign, during a Voice's Ignited pro-immigration rally, at the Capitol, on Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025.
What is at the heart of the immigration issue for you? What would improve the immigration system? Tell me what you think.
From Bagley’s Desk
Busy Beavers | Pat Bagley
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.
