7 opinion pieces on major social issues in Boise, ID area

Seven powerful opinion pieces pull back the curtain on Idaho's most pressing social issues. This list outlines moments like Boise's school district affirming inclusion with "Everyone is Welcome" posters, a Holocaust survivor sharing vital history, and escalating politics in an Uber ride gone wrong.

We also see university leaders facing hard questions about the future of DEI programs as lawmakers add pressure.

Elsewhere, Idaho debated bringing back the firing squad and heard pushback against anti-LGBTQ events like the so-called “Hetero Awesome Festival.”

This screenshot shows a video posted by @ThatDaneshGuy of an Idaho couple berating an Uber driver because he refuses to talk about his politics.

NO. 1: IDAHO COUPLE CAUGHT ON VIDEO DISPLAYING DEPLORABLE BEHAVIOR OVER POLITICS | OPINION

“We’re a very conservative state.” “Go back to your home state,” they tell the driver, who doesn’t want to talk politics. | Opinion | Published September 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Scott McIntosh

NO. 2: WORRIED ABOUT ELECTION INTERFERENCE IN IDAHO? DISINFORMATION POSES THE BIGGER THREAT | OPINION

“We know that our adversaries are intent on specifically undermining American confidence and democracy and sowing discord.” | Opinion | Published September 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Scott McIntosh

Pete Metzelaar at age 7 in 1941 in Amsterdam. Nazis would soon take members of his family, and he and his mother would go into hiding at a small farm in the countryside. Metzelaar will be sharing his story at two events, in Boise and Meridian on Dec. 3 and 4.

NO. 3: HE SURVIVED THE HOLOCAUST AS A CHILD. HE’S COMING TO BOISE TO TELL HIS STORY | OPINION

Here’s why you should go. | Opinion | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Scott McIntosh

University of Idaho President C. Scott Green, addresses the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, Monday, Feb. 28, 2024, at the Statehouse in Boise. By Darin Oswald

NO. 4: LEGISLATORS TARGET DEI PROGRAMS AT IDAHO UNIVERSITIES. WHEN WILL LEADERS STAND UP? | OPINION

Changing names of programs and tucking away employees in other departments is a quiet acquiescence to the demands of legislators who want to eliminate all DEI efforts. | Opinion | Published December 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Scott McIntosh

Idaho hasn’t executed a death row prisoner since June 2012, and just two in more than 30 years. The state’s preferred method is lethal injection, at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution near Kuna, with a firing squad as the backup method with a law that took effect in July 2023. By Idaho Department of Correction

NO. 5: COULD THE FIRING SQUAD IN IDAHO BACKFIRE AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY? | OPINION

If the governor is squeamish about the firing squad, perhaps he should be squeamish about the death penalty. | Opinion | Published March 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott McIntosh

This photo posted to the Boise School District’s Instagram page shows several administrators wearing “Everyone is Welcome Here” T-shirts in response to the West Ada School District’s order that a teacher remove a poster bearing that message.

NO. 6: ‘EVERYONE IS WELCOME’: BOISE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHOWS WEST ADA HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE | OPINION

One district is teaching its students that inclusion and acceptance is somehow politically controversial, while the other district is teaching its students to be welcoming and accepting. | Opinion | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott McIntosh

People participate in the parade for Boise Pride Festival on Sunday, Sept, 11, 2022. By Sarah A. Miller

NO. 7: WHAT THE IDAHO ‘HETERO AWESOME FESTIVAL’ ORGANIZERS DON’T UNDERSTAND | OPINION

I’ve never felt that my marriage was under attack; I’ve never felt threatened. Preserving the right of my gay friends, neighbors and family members to marry whom they wish in no way infringes on my values or the way I live my life. | Opinion | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Scott McIntosh

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.