The nonbinding referendum is meant to gauge student opinion on the divisive alma mater but would not result in any changes to the song. Student leaders called for it in response to a 2021 university report on the song’s history that found it was “not overtly racist.”
Higher Education
Coverage of universities, colleges, student issues, and education policy shaping Texas’ campuses, from The Texas Tribune.
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Higher Education
University of Houston asked students to wear neon vests after police drew weapon on a Black student
The university distributed vests to theater students after an officer drew a gun on a Black student rehearsing a violent scene last year. Officials walked back the requirement amid recent student criticism.
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The 10 most disruptive areas of research happening in Texas
From artificial intelligence to regenerative medicine, universities like UTSA are doing the research that will lead Texas and the country towards a bright future.
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Higher Education
Texas universities block access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks
Students and faculty will not be able to access the popular social media app while connected to university internet servers. It’s the latest step to limit access to the service after Gov. Greg Abbott directed state agencies to ban the app on government-issued devices citing cybersecurity risks.
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Texas Legislature 2023
As lawmakers begin a new session, Texas mayors want to maintain control of local issues
Mayors from the state’s most populous cities presented their legislative wish list, including economic development and workforce programs, broadband infrastructure and violence prevention.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Texas higher ed leaders optimistic about funding, faculty uneasy about culture wars as new session starts
Community colleges want a funding overhaul this legislative session, and four-year universities are hoping for a boost in research funds. Meanwhile, faculty are bracing for a potential threat to tenure and limits to conversations about race.
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Higher Education
In lawsuit, student claims six Texas medical schools are illegally considering race and sex in admissions
The plaintiff is represented by a group created by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller and former Texas Solicitor General Jonathan Mitchell, the architect of the state’s six-week abortion ban.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Texas universities propose two-year tuition freeze in exchange for nearly $1 billion in additional state funding
The leaders of the state’s six biggest university systems are seeking the money to fund instruction, university operations and employee health insurance and to cover a free tuition program for veterans and their children.
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Higher Education
UT fires head basketball coach Chris Beard after domestic violence arrest
Beard was hired by UT in 2021. The university paid $4 million to buy out his contract at Texas Tech University. He was one of UT’s highest-paid employees.
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T-Squared
T-Squared: Introducing our spring 2023 fellows
Tribune fellows have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in all aspects of the operation of a modern news organization.