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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

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist

(she/her/hers)

Email: [email protected]

Yassie Buchanan is an Opinions Columnist at The Daily Iowan. She is a senior majoring in English and creative writing and minoring in Spanish. Yassie writes primarily about social justice issues.

All content by Yassie Buchanan
Contributed photo of Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist.

Senior Column | Finding and holding on to a love for storytelling

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
May 8, 2022
Contributed photo of Dr. Mbi Ndakor, a neontologist in Waterloo, Iowa.

Opinion | Evaluating Iowa’s racial disparities in infant mortality

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
May 3, 2022
Opinion | It’s not time to cut back on SNAP benefits

Opinion | It’s not time to cut back on SNAP benefits

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
April 26, 2022
Opinion | Eliminate the period tax in Iowa

Opinion | Eliminate the period tax in Iowa

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
April 17, 2022
Prairie Lights bookstore on Monday, Nov. 13, 2017.

Opinion | April showers bring May flowers and poetry

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
April 11, 2022
The outside of the Veteran Affairs Medical Center on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021.

Opinion | More mental health services have been added to the VA, but there’s more to be done

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
April 4, 2022
The outside of the Student Disability Center in the Old Capitol Mall is seen in Iowa City on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

Opinion | The University of Iowa should be striving towards more universal design

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
March 28, 2022
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds delivers the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. During the State address, Reynolds spoke about childcare, Iowa teachers, material taught in schools, unemployment, tax cuts, and more. Reynolds announced the expansion of the Childcare Challenge Program with over 5,000 more childcare openings across the state.

Opinion | School choice should not override public school funding

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
March 22, 2022
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds shakes hands with Senate President Jake Chapman during the Condition of the State Address at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. During the State Address, Reynolds spoke about childcare, Iowa teachers, material taught in schools, unemployment, tax cuts, and more.

Opinion | All Iowa girls should be allowed to compete in girls’ sports.

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
March 8, 2022
Brooklyn author, Jia Tolentino gives a reading at Prairie Lights from her book of essays, Trick Mirror on Tuesday, February 18th, 2020. Trick Mirror received rave reviews from publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Vox.

Opinion | It would be a shame not to take advantage of literature in Iowa City

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
March 1, 2022
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds delivers the Condition of the State Address at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. During the State Address, Reynolds spoke about childcare, Iowa teachers, material taught in schools, unemployment, tax cuts, and more.

Opinion | Current legislature stops teachers from accurately giving a spotlight to Black history month

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
February 20, 2022
Participants dance during Dance Marathon at the Iowa Memorial Union at the University of Iowa in Iowa City on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. The fundraiser was held virtually with limited in-person participants.

Opinion | Looking back on four years through Dance Marathon

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
February 14, 2022
Photo illustration by Grace Smith

Opinion | January is poverty awareness month and Iowa has some work to do

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
January 30, 2022
Opinion | Iowa Republicans need to focus on real issues rather than patriotism

Opinion | Iowa Republicans need to focus on real issues rather than patriotism

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
January 23, 2022
Pins reading “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” are seen at the checkout tables in the Iowa Memorial Union at the University of Iowa on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Opinion | The UI needs to incentivize COVID-19 safety measures

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
January 17, 2022
iStock

Opinion | Shame should not stop transparency about COVID-19

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
December 12, 2021
Opinion | Censoring books is another form of minority erasure

Opinion | Censoring books is another form of minority erasure

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
December 5, 2021
The mural entitled "Falling Upwards" fills the south side of a home on Dubuque Street in Iowa City, Iowa on Friday, September 25, 2020. The mural, painted by Defy Studios of Minneapolis was commissioned by property owner Sam Stelter, a former University of Iowa student and Kappa-Sigma Beta-Rha member, who saw the mural as an opportunity to create conversation of individual experiences and the power of community.

Opinion | Take some time to acknowledge Iowa City’s public art

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
December 1, 2021
A turkey set for a Thanksgiving dinner is seen. (Dreamstime/TNS)

Opinion | It’s time to confront the truth behind Thanksgiving

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
November 16, 2021
Students work at the University of Iowa Campus Recreation and Wellness Center on Wednesday Sept. 16, 2020.

Opinion | Student employees deserve to be paid more

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
November 9, 2021
A visitor picks out a book at the Iowa City Public Library on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.

Opinion | The university needs to be transparent about their student initiatives

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
November 1, 2021
Rally attendees hold flags representing various Native American tribes during the decolonization rally on the Pentacrest on Monday, Oct. 15, 2019. The rally featured speakers and music.

Opinion | Educate yourself on Iowa’s Native American history

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
October 25, 2021
The Active Minds at University of Iowa Counseling Services hosts the Field of Memories in the Pentacrest on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015. Students are asked to sign each flag, which represent the number of students who kill themselves each year, with an encouraging message to show that they care.

Opinion | Students need preventative mental health resources

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
October 19, 2021
A visitor picks out a book at the Iowa City Public Library on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.

Opinion | Public libraries are a vital community resource

Yassie Buchanan, Opinion Columnist
October 10, 2021
A mural is seen on Burlington Street on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. Oracles of Iowa City is a mural project in collaboration with Public Space One and the Center for Afrofuturist Studies.

Opinion | We need representations of Black joy in art

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
October 6, 2021
Opinion | Gaps in literacy between Black and white students need to be addressed

Opinion | Gaps in literacy between Black and white students need to be addressed

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
September 29, 2021
Photo Illustration by Raquele Decker.

Opinion | We need to be educated on wage theft

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
September 14, 2021
Yellow Ribbon on yellow background for supporting people living and illness. September Suicide prevention day, Childhood Cancer Awareness month and World cancer day concept

Opinion | Advocacy work and awareness are key in children’s health

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
September 6, 2021
Yassie Buchanan

Opinion | Performing arts on campus need our support

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
August 31, 2021
Opinion | We should not be exploiting inmates for labor

Opinion | We should not be exploiting inmates for labor

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
August 23, 2021
Pharmacist Anne Lohaus draws up vaccines on Saturday, April 12, 2021. Hartig Pharmacies were administering first round doses to customers in the prayer room at Al-Iman Mosque.

Opinion | Iowans need to get vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
August 3, 2021
Supporters hold signs at the Old Capitol Building on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017. The recent decision regarding DACA's rescission has been a highly controversial issue in national politics.

Opinion | We need to stand up for Iowa’s immigrant population

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
July 28, 2021
Students are seen studying on the first floor of the UI Main Library on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017.

Opinion | The culture surrounding pre-health classes needs to change

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
July 20, 2021
Some of the many food items that line shelves, on Friday, Jan 22, 2021. The food pantry not only helps with food but personal items as well.

Opinion | We need to address food waste and insecurity

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
July 14, 2021
Student, Kyleigh Harm, receives the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the Iowa Memorial Union at the University of Iowa on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Opinion | Iowa’s universities should require the COVID-19 vaccine

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Colmunist
July 6, 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 | Increased qualified immunity is a danger to society

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Colmunist
June 29, 2021
Planned Parenthood in seen on Friday, May 8, 2020.

Opinion | Iowa needs to invest in sexual and reproductive health care

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
June 23, 2021
Opinion | Unpaid internships disenfranchise underprivileged populations

Opinion | Unpaid internships disenfranchise underprivileged populations

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
May 6, 2021
Aluna Olaniyi and Cherish Cornett discuss on how to lay out the boards for the design of the boxes on Sunday, April 11, 2021.

Opinion | Underrepresented populations on campus need safe spaces

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
April 28, 2021
Tangled thoughts, information overload concept. Several lines from different directions that tangle in a person's head, flat illustration.

Opinion | Black populations need better mental health resources

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
April 20, 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 | Background checks are an essential form for gun safety

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
April 15, 2021
Medical syringe of vaccine injection.

Opinion | When you need insulin, you need insulin

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
April 6, 2021
Opinion | Don’t let the nice weather make you careless

Opinion | Don’t let the nice weather make you careless

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
April 1, 2021
Photo Illustration

Opinion | We shouldn’t completely ditch online learning

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
March 23, 2021
Medical bed on wheels in the hospital corridor.

Opinion | Abortions are an essential part of reproductive health care

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
March 7, 2021
USA flag detail, closeup view. American flag background texture.

Opinion | We don’t need legislature enforcing the Pledge of Allegiance

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
March 2, 2021
The Hillel House is seen on May 3, 2020.

Opinion | Iowa Hillel works hard for their students

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
February 23, 2021
Opinion | Online proctoring harms more than helps

Opinion | Online proctoring harms more than helps

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
February 18, 2021
Daily Iowan Opinions writer Yassie Buchanan poses for a portrait on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 at the Adler Journalism Building.

Examining the erasure of Black history in education

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
February 14, 2021
The UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics building is seen on July 17, 2019.

Opinion | Free speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
February 7, 2021
Opinion | Don't treat Black history as a subsect to U.S. history

Opinion | Don’t treat Black history as a subsect to U.S. history

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
January 31, 2021
Members of the Iowa house of representatives take the oath of office during the opening of the 2021 legislative session on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Legislative goals for the session include further tax cuts, expanding in-person learning, and moving towards economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opinion | Iowa doesn’t need the death penalty

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
January 27, 2021
Patients are injected with the COVID-19 vaccine at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. The center received the Modern vaccine for its employees.

Opinion | Misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine is incredibly dangerous

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
January 24, 2021
Students walk on the Pentacrest on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. The university will be suspending classes until at least April 3, 2020 and will be moving instruction online amidst concerns around coronavirus.

Opinion | It’s OK to take a gap year

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
December 2, 2020
Photo Illustration by Raquele Decker.

Opinion | Governor Reynold’s COVID-19 response has been disastrous

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
November 18, 2020
Opinion | Don’t overlook Transgender Day of Remembrance

Opinion | Don’t overlook Transgender Day of Remembrance

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
November 12, 2020
Pictured is the Main Library at the University of Iowa on Oct. 28, 2020. Many students in the library aren’t’ following the COVID-19 rules and regulations of the University, which requires students to wear masks and only sit a certain number of students to a table.

Opinion | More time doesn’t mean more productivity

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
November 11, 2020
Players kneel and stand for the national anthem before the Iowa v Northwestern football game at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. Head Coach Kirk Ferentz did not kneel for the anthem.The Wildcats defeated the Hawkeyes 21-20.

Opinion | Sports and politics have never been separate

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
November 4, 2020
Opinion | Let’s start talking about prison reform

Opinion | Let’s start talking about prison reform

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
October 25, 2020
Various flags are seen on Monday, October 15, 2018. There are 120 flags being displayed on the Iowa Memorial Union Pedestrian Bridge to recognize the international students on campus.

Opinion | Language learning is being stifled in the pandemic

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
October 18, 2020
Opinion | Halloween is not an opportunity for cultural appropriation

Opinion | Halloween is not an opportunity for cultural appropriation

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
October 12, 2020
Photo Illustration by Katie Goodale

Opinion | Everyone should get their flu shot

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
October 5, 2020
Iowa City Police Department vehicles are seen on July 9, 2019.

Opinion | More funding for the police does not equal more safety

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
September 29, 2020
The Old Capital is seen on Tuesday, September 18, 2018.

Opinion | Students need a break

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
September 28, 2020
Opinion | Sex education needs to be more inclusive

Opinion | Sex education needs to be more inclusive

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
September 16, 2020
A Johnson County precinct indicator is seen outside The University of Iowa Visual Arts building on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Counties all across Iowa along with eight other states are participating in the 2020 primary elections.

Opinion | The apathetic young voter narrative is false

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
September 14, 2020
iStock

Opinion | School choice doesn’t solve school segregation

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
September 7, 2020
Vector illustration, flat style, Group of people discuss social media news, social networks, chat, dialogue speech bubbles

Opinion | It’s time to find alternatives to ableist language

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
September 2, 2020
Students traverse a hallway at Iowa City High School on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

Opinion | Gifted K-12 programs are broken programs

Yassie Buchanan, Opinions Columnist
August 31, 2020
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