Students Write to Address Crucial Social Issues
Each year, as an assignment for SW 6240 – Social Policies, Master of Social Work students
are required to thoughtfully craft an advocacy op-ed on a subject of their choosing,
then submit it to a news outlet for possible publication. The experience is valuable
in helping students think through how to articulate and argument regarding a range
of societal concerns.
“Op-eds are an excellent way to bring attention to important political matters and to share experiences and new ideas that readers might not have otherwise considered,” explained associate professor and 6240 instructor Liz Siantz. “I am so proud of these students. And I am glad that the op-ed is now in their macro-advocacy tool kits.”
Below is a list of op-eds written by College of Social Work graduate students that were published during the fall 2023 semester (organized by date):
- Letter: Public transportation system in Salt Lake Valley is not set up to accommodate east to west travel
- Misty Nomberto: Utah can’t ignore the correlation between dementia and homelessness
- Jude Husselbee: I lost my brother to suicide. Utah must do better for its LGBTQ+ community
- Kirra Jensen: Confusing Medicaid paperwork costs Utahns money and life-saving care
- Caiden Michalec: What can still be done for trans youth
- Henry Matthews: I’m a social worker, and it’s clear we need better housing solutions
- Marcie Belton and Jen Markelz: Homeless need more mental health services
- Guest Opinion: Why are Suicide Rates so High in the Happiest State?
- Aryanna Sanger: Mothers deserve better health care
- Emily Rougelot and Rachel Wasser: My body, the lawmaker’s choice?
- Codi Schreck: Are we doing all we can for the older adults in our lives?
- Lindsay Hauptman: Youth suicide is on the rise. We need to address mental health challenges earlier
- Opinion: Harm reduction enables us to shift from judgment to compassion
- Opinion: For a more inclusive and compassionate Utah, we must support our transgender individuals
- Opinion: Concerned about our future? Get involved in your community
- Opinion: Less than 25% of American adults are getting enough exercise. Here’s how it’s impacting our health