The Sons of Confederate Veterans is seeking to overturn a previous decision allowing the University of Texas at Austin to take down a statue of Confederate Jefferson Davis. The group hopes a new judge will order the university to put it back up.
Matthew Watkins
Matthew Watkins began serving as editor in chief of the Tribune in September 2024. He is a Texas native, born in Houston and raised in Austin. He attended Texas A&M University and has spent his entire professional career in Texas journalism, including stints at The Eagle in Bryan-College Station and The Dallas Morning News. Matthew joined The Texas Tribune in 2015 has held various roles, including higher education reporter, breaking news editor and politics editor. He has helped guide the Tribune's award-winning journalism that has included coverage of six legislative sessions, multiple election cycles, natural disasters and political scandals. He lives in Austin with his wife, Susan, and their two children.
Posted inState Government
Gov. Abbott Makes First International Visit to Mexico
The visit, intended to bolster economic and cultural ties between Texas and Mexico, was prompted by an invite from the Mexican foreign affairs secretary during a visit to Austin in July.
Posted in
Ballpark Figures
University of Houston Pours Millions into Sports
In recent years, the University of Houston has transferred more than $100 million from its academic side to athletics, aiming to shore up struggling athletic programs and enhance its bid to become a tier one university, and maybe a member of the Big 12.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT-Austin to Remove Confederate Statue Sunday
Days after a state district judge gave the go-ahead, the University of Texas at Austin plans to remove a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis from a plaza on campus Sunday.
Posted in
Higher Education
Judge: UT Confederate Statue Can Be Removed
The statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis at the University of Texas at Austin will soon be taken down. Its removal was cleared Thursday by a state district judge, who threw out a challenge filed by the Sons of Confederate Veterans seeking to block UT-Austin’s plan to remove the sculpture.
Posted in
Higher Education
Judge Set to Consider Future of UT Confederate Statue
University of Texas at Austin leaders want to remove a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis from a prominent place on campus. On Thursday, a judge may allow them to cross the final hurdle to do so.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Baylor May Face Legal Fallout from Rape Case
Baylor University’s lawyers reportedly were in the courtroom during most of football player Sam Ukwuachu’s rape trial last week. Now that he’s been convicted, the school faces the possibility of lawsuits and federal scrutiny.
Posted in
Higher Education
A&M Drops Bid To Host Presidential Debate
Texas A&M University has dropped out of the race to host a presidential debate in 2016, citing high costs and logistical challenges. Two other Texas sites remain in contention.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT-Austin Team to Develop Campus Carry Plans
University of Texas at Austin President Greg Fenves announced Thursday that he has convened a group of students, faculty and staff to recommend policies for the school to comply with a new state law that will allow the concealed carrying of gun on college campuses.
Posted in
Higher Education
Following Controversy, UT System Amends Admissions Policy
The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved a new admissions policy for its 10 universities Thursday, mandating strict guidelines for how and when letters of recommendation are considered.
