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UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Headshot of Spinnaker Opinions Editor Joshua Smith

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor

Hello, I’m an English major studying at the University of North Florida. I hope to use this platform to inspire social change, learn, and bring joy. In my spare time I like to read short stories, watch sports, and enjoy a nice film.

All content by Joshua Smith
Protesters walk under a green stoplight during a abortion rights march

OPINION: Protests work

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor August 5, 2022

About a week ago, I went to get a haircut. If you know anything about black barber shops, you know they are often filled with rife commentary on anything—sports, music, politics. Pick any one of those...

hands together

OPINION: The search for togetherness

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor July 29, 2022

It has been two years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, we learned how to live differently. That is to say, we learned how to live apart. Precautionary measures like social distancing...

OPINION: We are unprepared for climate change

OPINION: We are unprepared for climate change

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor July 22, 2022

Last week, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin revealed that he would not, in fact, endorse a spending bill that included climate change, citing inflation concerns. The blow to the bill comes on the heels...

Men, women and children stand in line with plastic bags, waiting in line for food

OPINION: The world is facing a food shortage at an alarming level

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor July 15, 2022

It goes without saying that food is one of the most vital parts of life. Moreover, access to food is incredibly crucial to sustaining a healthy and thriving population. However, due to the recent turmoil...

A detained demonstrator shows a sign No War! from a police bus in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. Hundreds of people gathered in Moscow and St.Petersburg on Thursday, protesting against Russias attack on Ukraine. Many of the demonstrators were detained. Similar protests took place in other Russian cities, and activists were also arrested. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

OPINION: Why you should keep fighting

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor July 8, 2022

Inflation, the Ukraine-Russia war, the threat of a global hunger crisis. It seems every week there is a new issue dominating the 24-hour news headlines.  Times are harder than before. With civil unrest...

A protester holds an American flag on a flag pole

OPINION: SCOTUS ruling will test America’s true value of childbirth

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor July 1, 2022

On May 2, 2022, Justice Samuel Alito’s draft, stating abortion was not a Constitutional right, leaked. On June 24, 2022, the court overturned Roe v Wade in a 6-3 decision. The past two months have...

the capitol building

OPINION: Compromise is key to democracy

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor June 27, 2022

Responding to the Uvalde shooting, actor and Uvalde native Matthew McConaughey delivered a blistering speech attacking senseless gun violence and inefficient gun legislation. He spoke about a need to come...

Will Smith and Jaden Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness

OPINION: Let’s not forget to celebrate our black fathers

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor June 17, 2022

This Sunday marks the 112th anniversary of the first recorded celebration of Father’s Day. However, this Sunday is special for another reason—it’s Juneteenth. The alignment of the two holidays works...

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, center, signs executive orders in the Governors conference room

OPINION: Critical race theory isn’t scary, it’s inefficient

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor June 10, 2022

Over the past few years, critical race theory has been a main talking point when discussing race. More recently, it has become a political punching bag for predominately Republican politicians who have...

Recycling bins are just the beginning of UNFs aim to be green.

OPINION: UNF must increase sustainability efforts

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor June 6, 2022

When entering the University of North Florida (UNF)’s campus, one is bound to notice the abundance of trees towering over the entryways. Combine that with the generous supply of recycling bins posted...

The Black Student Union streamed the discussion live on their Instagram.

OPINION: Being black on campus is about perseverance

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor May 27, 2022

Making up 10% of the University of North Florida (UNF)’s student demographics, it is highly unlikely that black students have a hard time being seen. However, they certainly have a harder time being...

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis answers questions related to school openings and the wearing of masks, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, in Surfside, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

OPINION: DeSantis’s push for constitutional carry could have dangerous effects for Florida schools

Joshua Smith, Opinions Editor May 20, 2022

About two weeks after Florida governor Ron DeSantis stated his desire to pass a bill legalizing “constitutional carry,” an 18-year-old man drove approximately three hours to a Tops grocery store in...

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