2018 has been an intense school year. The headlines were dominated by a new controversial event daily, which means debates were heated and issues were divisive. But throughout all this chaos, people united under common opinions and found solace in one another’s understanding.

The Precedent has compiled a list of our top opinions pieces of the year.

Number 1: “Supporting #RedForEd: Lack of funding creates path to failure for all”

Opinions editor Lauren Fountain tackled the #RedForEd issue in this detailed account of the movement’s grassroots start, and where they are now. Her plea for better funding and teacher raises ultimately came to fruition with recent legislation.

Number 2: “Point/Counterpoint: Gun violence”

Arts and Entertainment editor Ian Graham and staff reporter Morgan Chung went head to head on the gun control debate. Graham called out the GOP for their ineffectiveness and blatant disregard for effective legislature, while Chung used the Second Amendment to back up her argument.

Number 3: “An open letter to all who have shared their stories throughout the #MeToo movement”

In issue four, The Precedent penned a letter to to thank all who have shared their stories, whether it be in a courtroom like the brave Olympic gymnasts, in the press like Ashley Judd, or on social media like the hundreds of thousands of women who came forward. Thank you for your bravery.

Number 4: “A Minute With Mia: White feminism misses force of intersectionality, total inclusion”

Throughout the year, Editor-in-Chief Mia Irvin has written on many different social issues, but the issues of gender equality and the plague of white feminism were particularly important to her. In this piece, she broke down why white feminism misses the point of the movement completely, and deteriorates the movement as a whole.

Number 5: “Dreamers in despair”

In one of her inaugural opinions pieces, staff reporter Daisy Ramirez discussed the impact of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), and what the loss of the program would mean for Ariz. students.