Universities were a political target of Texas Republicans. As Gina Hinojosa and other Democrats prepare for office, here’s a look at the turning point facing college campuses.
Sneha Dey
Sneha Dey is an education reporter for The Texas Tribune, working in partnership with Open Campus. She covers pathways from education to employment and the accessibility of postsecondary education in Texas, with an eye on college readiness, community colleges and career and technical training. Prior to joining the Tribune, she had stints at NPR’s Education Desk and Chalkbeat. Sneha is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She grew up in New York and is based in Austin.
To report a tip, contact Sneha on Signal at @snehadey.43
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Democrats flip Texas House amid generational wave
Democrats needed to flip 14 seats to win the lower chamber, which has been under Republican control since 2003. They were on track to easily clear that threshold.
Posted in
Public Education
Frustration over school takeovers, vouchers could sway Texas voters in close governor’s race
As Democrat Gina Hinojosa focuses on “saving” public schools, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has emphasized property tax cuts in the final weeks of the campaign.
Posted in
Higher Education
Some Texas colleges get OK for new Workforce Pell that pays for job training
At least five Texas colleges are among the first in the country that can use the federal funding for jobs training.
Posted in
Public Education
Houston Democrats push for guardrails on school takeovers
A commission led by area lawmakers recommended raising the bar for when the TEA chief can intervene and setting guardrails for state appointees during a takeover.
Posted in
Congress
U.S. should err on the side of innovation in AI regulation, U.S. Rep. Arrington says
Former CEO of Indeed characterized the Texas congressman’s argument about needing to beat China as a false one.
Posted in
Public School State Takeovers
Houston ISD directs schools to cut staff and slash spending amid higher than expected enrollment losses
The announcement comes after a Texas Tribune investigation revealed the reforms the district’s state-appointed superintendent implemented, known as the New Education System, are straining finances.
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Public School State Takeovers
High costs, dwindling enrollment: Is Houston ISD’s playbook under takeover sustainable?
The high price tag, coupled with less state funding from students leaving the district, raises questions about whether the academic improvements are sustainable in the long run and whether other districts can afford to replicate it.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M System removes courses on LGBTQ, ethnic studies and climate change from core offerings
More than 200 courses, including those on LGBTQ literature, cultural studies and climate change, will no longer count toward core degree requirements at 11 Texas A&M universities.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
Here’s what Greg Abbott, Gina Hinojosa say about education priorities in Texas governor’s race
From school takeovers to college affordability, the Democrat and Republican are rolling out their education priorities ahead of November’s election.
