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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
Sophia Meador

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor

(she/her/hers)

Sophia Meador is the Opinions Editor at The Daily Iowan. Previously, she worked as an opinions columnist, page designer, and currently serves on the Editorial Board. Sophia is a junior majoring in journalism and political science. In addition, she works as a peer mentor in the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass communication.

All content by Sophia Meador
William Pretorius plays in the sand during the 6th annual Downtown Iowa City Block Party on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Point/Counterpoint: What is the best summer activity in Iowa City?

Evan Weidl and Sophia Meador
July 26, 2023
A pride flag is seen during the 2023 Pride Parade & Festival in downtown Iowa City on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Opinion | Corporations should be standing for pride

Sophia Meador, Opinions Contributor
June 20, 2023

Cats

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
May 2, 2023
Photo Illustration by Jenna Galligan

Opinion | Turn off TikTok — for good

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
April 23, 2023
Opinion | Criminalizing marijuana hurts Iowa

Opinion | Criminalizing marijuana hurts Iowa

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
April 18, 2023
Opinion | Inter-dependency improves quality of life

Opinion | Inter-dependency improves quality of life

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
April 9, 2023
The Iowa State Capitol is seen before the opening of the 2022 Legislative Session in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.

Opinion | Iowa legislators are wasting precious time

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
March 19, 2023

Yes

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
March 19, 2023

Yes

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
March 7, 2023

Flowers

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
February 12, 2023
Opinion | I support the IRS, and you should too.

Opinion | I support the IRS, and you should too.

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
January 22, 2023
Opinion | The ‘War on Christmas’ and other fables

Opinion | The ‘War on Christmas’ and other fables

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
December 4, 2022
Graphic by Sophia Meador

Opinion | It’s time to ban semi-automatic assault weapons

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
November 27, 2022
Protesters listen to a speaker at a pro-abortion rights protest at the University of Iowa's Pentacrest on Friday, June 24, 2022. Around 350 people attended the protest.

Opinion | Right-wing policy is Iowa’s worst enemy

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
November 13, 2022
A COVID-19 testing site in the parking lot of UI Urgent Care in Coralville on Dec. 10, 2021.

Opinion | Showing gratitude: giving thanks for health care workers

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
November 1, 2022

Yes

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
October 25, 2022

No

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
October 18, 2022
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks at the Iowa City Climate Strike in downtown Iowa City on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.

Opinion | Persistence is the key to social justice

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
October 16, 2022

No

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
October 11, 2022

No

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
October 4, 2022

Yes

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
September 27, 2022
U.S. Senate candidate Mike Franken speaks at the Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.

Opinion | Sexual assault allegations should be addressed

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
September 25, 2022

No

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
September 21, 2022

Yes

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
September 13, 2022
Eva Olson and Aidan Bolden point at the Jackson Pollock mural in the Stanley Museum of Art on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. This was Olson and Bolden’s first time walking through the museum.

Opinion | “Mural” is worth more than dollars

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
September 11, 2022

No

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
September 6, 2022

Yes

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
August 30, 2022

No

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
August 23, 2022
Opinion | The problem with paying high school athletes

Opinion | The problem with paying high school athletes

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
August 23, 2022
iStock.

Opinion | Changing the direction of social media

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
August 21, 2022
iStock

Opinion | How to discuss monkeypox

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
August 2, 2022
Opinion | Universal free-lunch programs are overdue

Opinion | Universal free-lunch programs are overdue

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
July 26, 2022
President Joe Biden speaks during his visit at the POET Bioprocessing ethanol plant in Menlo, Iowa, on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Biden also commneted on infrastructure investments to help rural communities.

Opinion | It’s time Biden passes on the torch

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
July 21, 2022
President Joe Biden speaks during visit at the POET Bioprocessing ethanol plant in Menlo, Iowa, on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

Opinion | Democrats must change their party’s direction

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
July 12, 2022
Opinion | Internships are not the gold standard

Opinion | Internships are not the gold standard

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
June 19, 2022
Opinion | We need equal access to infant formula

Opinion | We need equal access to infant formula

Sophia Meador, Opinions Editor
June 14, 2022
A sign for the Iowa City Community School District is seen outside the district's administration building on Tuesday, April 28.

Opinion | We can better serve students during outbursts

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
April 25, 2022
Stack of newspaper, close-up. Journalism concept. Pile of newspapers

Opinion | Business in the newsroom, and what that means for you

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
April 17, 2022
U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) speaks to a crowd on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021 at Ashley Hinson’s BBQ Bash at Linn County Fairgrounds. Hinson talked about the Iowa practicality she brings to Washington D.C.

Opinion | Iowa deserves leaders who will support women

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
April 10, 2022
Food donations are seen inside of the CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank in Iowa City on Feb. 14, 2022. The center is a volunteer-driven organization for grocery assistance.

Opinion | You can help Iowans in food deserts

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
April 3, 2022
Contributed.

Opinion | Iowa City to Paris — A lifelong Iowan travels from home

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
March 23, 2022
Photo Illustration by Daniel McGregor-Huyer.

Opinion | Yik Yak’s comeback — why it’s not great

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
March 7, 2022
Opinion | We need more building projects in the Iowa City metro area

Opinion | We need more building projects in the Iowa City metro area

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
February 27, 2022
The Iowa State Capitol is seen before the opening of the 2022 Legislative Session in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. (Grace Smith/The Daily Iowan)

Opinion | Iowa Republicans should move past non-inclusive legislation

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
February 20, 2022
The Iowa State Capitol is seen before the opening of the 2022 Legislative Session in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.

Opinion | Representation in Iowa: what we need to fix

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
February 13, 2022
iStock

Opinion | UI email privacy: what you should know

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
February 8, 2022
Opinion | Iowa does not need to be a second amendment sanctuary

Opinion | Iowa does not need to be a second amendment sanctuary

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
January 30, 2022
Opinion | Pronouns matter

Opinion | Pronouns matter

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
January 24, 2022
Person holding a cloth face mask.

Opinion | It is not time to take off your mask

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
January 19, 2022
Opinion | Think green this holiday season

Opinion | Think green this holiday season

Sophia Meador, Opinion Columnist
December 7, 2021
The University of Iowa Office of Sustainability is seen at Jesup Hall at the University of Iowa on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2021.

Opinion | Sustainability education needs precedence

Sophia Meador, Opinion Columnist
November 28, 2021
U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) speaks to a crowd on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021 at Ashley Hinson’s BBQ Bash at Linn County Fairgrounds. Hinson talked about the Iowa practicality she brings to Washington D.C.

Opinion | Congress: Focus on action, not elections

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
November 18, 2021
Opinion | Let’s rethink food in Iowa

Opinion | Let’s rethink food in Iowa

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
November 10, 2021
Volunteers from Shelter House, Iowa Finance Authority, and Hodge Construction are seen building walls for the 501 Project on June 17, 2021 in Coralville. The 501 Project will bring the community a “housing first” shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Opinion | Be an advocate for the less fortunate

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
November 3, 2021
A new University of Iowa Merchandise store, located on Clinton St. is seen on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021.

Opinion | Shop local for the holidays

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
October 25, 2021
Former President Donald Trump endorses Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley during Donald Trump’s “Save America” rally in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. Chuck Grassley has been an Iowa Senator since 1981. (Cecilia Shearon/The Daily Iowan)

Opinion | The GOP need moderates in 2022

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
October 18, 2021
Pictured on Nov. 3, 2020, Election Day, is Longfellow Elementary School in Iowa City. Longfellow has set up voting booths for voters to cast their ballots. (Grace Smith/The Daily Iowan)

Opinion | Get out to vote: Local elections need you

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
October 12, 2021
Haitian migrants walk towards the Rio Grande after Mexican police and immigration officers enter the Braulio Fernandez Park where the migrant had taken refuge on Thursday Sept. 23, 2021 Aq2z9120

Opinion | Haitian deportations are immoral and Biden must do better

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
October 5, 2021
Democratic candidate for State Auditor Rob Sand speaks during the Progress Iowa Corn Feed in Bondurant Iowa on Sunday, September 16, 2018.

Opinion | Rob Sand is the candidate Iowa needs in 2022

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
September 28, 2021
Backpack full of school supplies and COVID 19 prevention items. Top view, spilling onto a blue background. Back to school during pandemic concept.

Opinion | Schools should take all precautions to prevent exposures to COVID-19

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
September 20, 2021
Manager is holding Dress code policy.

Opinion | It’s no one else’s decision what you can wear

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
September 13, 2021
To do list with so many things note on paper with paper balls and pen

Opinion | UI students, it’s ok to take a step back

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
September 9, 2021
Backpack of school child with face mask and sanitizer.

Opinion | Be preventative: Keep unvaccinated kids safe

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
September 1, 2021
Cars drive across the Iowa Avenue bridge in Iowa City on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.

Opinion | Price worth paying: Federal Infrastructure bill invests in Iowa

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
August 24, 2021
Johnson County holds Drive-Up early voting in the parking ramp of the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building on Oct. 23, 2020. Voters follow signs and wait in a line of cars to cast their ballot.

Opinion | Senior politicians: give newcomers a chance to lead

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
August 3, 2021
Students sit and wait for 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in the Iowa Memorial Union at the University of Iowa on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Opinion | We need all students to be vaccinated

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
July 27, 2021
University of Iowa freshman line up for food and drinks outside the President's Mansion during the OnIowa President's Block Party on Sunday, August 19, 2018. OnIowa events help incoming university students engage and settle into their new environment.

Opinion | UI sophomores: college is just beginning

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
July 21, 2021
Shasta County Supervisor Patrick Jones, 52, at his gun shop in Redding on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. Jones, newly elected, unlocked the doors to the supervisors' chambers to hold an unauthorized in-person meeting to protest statewide COVID-19 restrictions.

Opinion | Governor Reynolds handgun law puts Iowans in danger

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
July 13, 2021
Opinion | Service workers are people too

Opinion | Service workers are people too

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
July 6, 2021
Corn leaves turning brown due to lack of rain on Monday, June, 21, 2021. A field planted with corn start showing the effects of lack of rain fall. The leaves are turning brown, and the stalks are short.(Jeff Sigmund/Daily Iowan)

Opinion | Climate change has already hit Iowa

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
June 28, 2021
Gov. Kim Reynolds prepares for the State of the State Address within the house chambers of the Iowa State Capitol Building on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 in Des Moines. Tuesday marks the second day of the 2021 Iowa legislative session, in which Gov. Reynolds will give her address in the evening.

Opinion | Public education should be candid

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
June 21, 2021
The Emma Goldman clinic is seen on Wednesday, Feb. 2018.

Opinion | It is imperative we stand up for reproductive rights

Sophia Meador, Opinions Columnist
June 16, 2021
IA Sen. Amy Sinclair, R-Allerton, speaks to the Senate on the first day of the 2021 legislative session on Monday, Jan. 11, 2020, at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. 0111 Capitol 010 Jpg

Opinion | Republicans need to follow public health guidelines

Sophia Meador, Opinions Contributor
May 3, 2021
Gov. Kim Reynolds prepares for the State of the State Address within the house chambers of the Iowa State Capitol Building on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 in Des Moines. Tuesday marks the second day of the 2021 Iowa legislative session, in which Gov. Reynolds will give her address in the evening. (Ryan Adams/The Daily Iowan)

Opinion | Gov. Reynolds gatekeeps Iowa amid immigration surge

Sophia Meador, Opinions Contributor
April 20, 2021
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