INSIDER
Texas State University condemns demonstrators who brought offensive signs to campus
Read full article: Texas State University condemns demonstrators who brought offensive signs to campusThe university is exploring potential legal responses after two men came on campus the day after the election with misogynistic and homophobic signs.
Texas judge accused of breaking law after asking his university students to vote for him
Read full article: Texas judge accused of breaking law after asking his university students to vote for himA candidate running against the judge accused him of emailing his students at Texas State to vote for him. State law prohibits using public resources for political advertising.
Texas students with immigrant parents lost out on college aid because of FAFSA glitch
Read full article: Texas students with immigrant parents lost out on college aid because of FAFSA glitchThe glitch kept the students from submitting the form on time, which put them last in line to receive aid this year.
Texas State released from contract to host debate, as Biden and Trump sidestep tradition
Read full article: Texas State released from contract to host debate, as Biden and Trump sidestep traditionTexas State was slated to be the first Texas university to host a presidential debate before the leading candidates sidestepped the traditional debate schedule
3 years after Jason Landry vanished, his father reflects on 3rd anniversary of son’s disappearance
Read full article: 3 years after Jason Landry vanished, his father reflects on 3rd anniversary of son’s disappearanceIt’s been three years since Texas State University student Jason Landry disappeared. For his father, Kent Landry, he does not believe his son is alive.
Search for Texas State student Jason Landry ‘unwavering’ as family marks 3 years since his disappearance
Read full article: Search for Texas State student Jason Landry ‘unwavering’ as family marks 3 years since his disappearanceThree years have passed since a Texas State student disappeared as he was heading to the Houston area and the family continues to search for answers.
Stigma and language barriers complicate treating Hispanics with Alzheimer’s disease
Read full article: Stigma and language barriers complicate treating Hispanics with Alzheimer’s diseaseBorder counties in Texas have some of the highest Alzheimer’s diagnosis rates in the nation, with rates ranging from 13% to 18% of people aged 65 and over.
Texas State University will host first 2024 presidential debate
Read full article: Texas State University will host first 2024 presidential debateThe debate, scheduled for Sept. 16, 2024, will be the first of four for the general election. The San Marcos school would be the first Texas university to hold a presidential debate, Texas State officials said.
Texas universities seeking top research status will have a clearer path under new rules
Read full article: Texas universities seeking top research status will have a clearer path under new rulesTexas universities trying to earn the coveted Carnegie “R1” title might be closer than before after a major overhaul this week.
Proposition 5 on Texas ballot would create new endowment for ‘emerging’ research universities
Read full article: Proposition 5 on Texas ballot would create new endowment for ‘emerging’ research universitiesIf approved, the new fund would provide tens of millions of dollars to the University of Houston, Texas Tech, Texas State University and University of North Texas.
Texas Senate approves bill that would end faculty tenure at public universities
Read full article: Texas Senate approves bill that would end faculty tenure at public universitiesSenate Bill 18 faces an uphill battle at the Texas House, where Speaker Dade Phelan has expressed concerns with completely eliminating the commonplace job protection.
As Texas college students struggle with affordability, UT-Austin launches program to offset on-campus housing costs
Read full article: As Texas college students struggle with affordability, UT-Austin launches program to offset on-campus housing costsDemand for on-campus housing has gone up across the country as off-campus costs have skyrocketed and students seek more affordable options.
How Republicans’ threats to tenure and diversity might undercut their own efforts to advance Texas’ universities
Read full article: How Republicans’ threats to tenure and diversity might undercut their own efforts to advance Texas’ universitiesTexas lawmakers are poised to create a new multibillion-dollar endowment to boost emerging research universities in national rankings. But faculty members say banning diversity offices and tenure would stymie those efforts.
In a border graveyard, volunteers exhume migrants’ bodies and search for their families
Read full article: In a border graveyard, volunteers exhume migrants’ bodies and search for their familiesIn Maverick County, 26 bodies pulled from the Rio Grande were buried, some without attempts to identify them. Teams of Texas State students are trying to learn their names so their families can be notified.
Texas higher ed leaders optimistic about funding, faculty uneasy about culture wars as new session starts
Read full article: Texas higher ed leaders optimistic about funding, faculty uneasy about culture wars as new session startsCommunity 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.
Somber anniversary: Authorities still searching for answers 2 years after Jason Landry’s disappearance; reward increased to $20K
Read full article: Somber anniversary: Authorities still searching for answers 2 years after Jason Landry’s disappearance; reward increased to $20KAuthorities and family are still searching for answers in the disappearance of Jason Landry two years later.
The pandemic showed some Texas universities that they didn’t need the SAT. They might never go back.
Read full article: The pandemic showed some Texas universities that they didn’t need the SAT. They might never go back.Many Texas public universities have committed to accepting students who do not submit SAT or ACT standardized test scores, signaling that test-optional policies could be here to stay.
Texas State University selects Arkansas State University chancellor to become next president
Read full article: Texas State University selects Arkansas State University chancellor to become next presidentOnce confirmed, Kelly R. Damphousse will replace Denise Trauth to serve as the university’s 10th president.
Texas State fired official after the Tribune asked about his use of bone marrow registry funds
Read full article: Texas State fired official after the Tribune asked about his use of bone marrow registry fundsTexas State University terminated Ronnie Lozano in mid-December, a month and a half after The Texas Tribune raised questions about how he was using bone marrow registry program donations.
A Texas State bone marrow registry program became a national model. Now, its leader is under investigation for diverting money to support an affair.
Read full article: A Texas State bone marrow registry program became a national model. Now, its leader is under investigation for diverting money to support an affair.The university has declined to say much about the questionable spending, documented in records provided to The Texas Tribune. The Texas State University System is investigating the matter.
Texas college students confront anxiety, apathy as another pandemic semester begins
Read full article: Texas college students confront anxiety, apathy as another pandemic semester beginsAs Texas universities and colleges begin a fifth semester during the COVID-19 pandemic, many students say they are struggling with uncertainty and an indifference toward school and the future.
Texas State University president to retire at end of school year after 20 years
Read full article: Texas State University president to retire at end of school year after 20 yearsPresident Denise Trauth oversaw years of growth at Texas State as it became a Hispanic Serving Institution, a Texas Emerging Research University and underwent the most construction projects since the university's founding.
UT-Arlington becomes latest emerging research university to reach “Texas Tier One” status
Read full article: UT-Arlington becomes latest emerging research university to reach “Texas Tier One” statusUT-Arlington is the fourth public university in the state to earn this distinction, out of eight schools aiming for the title, which allows the school to tap into an additional $6.2 million in funding.
Gov. Greg. Abbott says no public schools or government entities will be allowed to require masks
Read full article: Gov. Greg. Abbott says no public schools or government entities will be allowed to require masksThe governor issued an executive order Tuesday banning government entities in Texas — like cities and counties — from requiring masks to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Texas universities urge passage of funding bill for campus construction to train more medical students after pandemic
Read full article: Texas universities urge passage of funding bill for campus construction to train more medical students after pandemicRep. Jim Murphy said lawmakers selected projects that would address the state’s nursing and medical professional shortages as the COVID-19 pandemic reiterated additional need for skilled workers.
Texas Republican Briscoe Cain blindsides fellow lawmakers in push for House version of new voting restrictions
Read full article: Texas Republican Briscoe Cain blindsides fellow lawmakers in push for House version of new voting restrictions100-member team spend weekend searching for student missing for months
Read full article: 100-member team spend weekend searching for student missing for monthsA 100-member team resumed a search Friday for a Texas State University student who has been missing since December 13. Jason Landry was on his way home to Missouri City for Christmas break when his car crashed in Caldwell County, not far from the Texas State campus, police said. RELATED: Missouri City church provides update on search for missing Texas State studentAuthorities said his car was found along with his phone and wallet. Texas EqquSearch was involved in the search efforts in December but later pulled out. AdREAD MORE: Texas State student from Missouri City missing after car found totaled, abandonedThe Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office requested crews, including rescue K-9 units trained in detecting human remains, search for Landry for the next three days.
Dwindling food, flooded halls, unflushable toilets: Texas’ university dorms descend into chaos during winter storm
Read full article: Dwindling food, flooded halls, unflushable toilets: Texas’ university dorms descend into chaos during winter stormWhile some campuses have slowly regained power over the past 24 hours, many dorms still lack access to consistent water and food. Ad“I feel like I’m in hell, like I’m in prison,” said Texas State University freshman Nicholas Ware, who spent three days without heat and power until Wednesday evening. Texas State officials did not return a request for comment. At Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, students have been without water, which has limited their access to toilets. “People have just assumed that that's not something they need to worry about right now.”Disclosure: Facebook, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Republican Texas lawmakers reviving push to end in-state tuition for undocumented college students
Read full article: Republican Texas lawmakers reviving push to end in-state tuition for undocumented college studentsTwo state lawmakers want to prevent undocumented college students from being able to pay in-state tuition rates. Two freshman Republican state representatives want to stop undocumented immigrants from being able to pay in-state tuition at Texas’ public universities, they announced Friday. In 2001, Texas became the first state to allow undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition. In his statement, Cason called in-state tuition rates for undocumented students “handouts” from the Legislature that frustrate Texans whose property taxes are rising. AdThis is not the first time Texas GOP lawmakers have sought to repeal the 2001 law that allows undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition.
Texas State student from Missouri City missing after car found totaled, abandoned
Read full article: Texas State student from Missouri City missing after car found totaled, abandonedLandry left from Texas State to return home for the Christmas break Sunday night. “He’s alone, he doesn’t have his phone or His wallet, and it’s cold outside,” Jason’s mother, Lisa Landry said. “Maybe he’s hurt.”Her husband, Kent Landry, is the senior pastor at the Southminster Presbyterian Church in Missouri City. The Landry family moved to Missouri City a little over a decade ago. Jason, the youngest of three siblings, is in his third year at Texas State.
Texas voters have to wear masks while voting despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s exemption, federal judge rules
Read full article: Texas voters have to wear masks while voting despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s exemption, federal judge rulesVoters cast their ballots at the Performing Arts Center at Texas State University in San Marcos. Texas voters should be required to wear face masks when casting ballots during the pandemic, a federal district judge ruled Tuesday, invalidating an exemption for polling places that Gov. Greg Abbott had included in his statewide mask mandate. The argument for a mask mandate at the polls was first raised in a much broader lawsuit filed against Abbott and the Texas secretary of state in July by Mi Familia Vota, the Texas NAACP and two Texas voters. “Under these conditions, Black and Latino voters must choose between not voting or risking their lives or the lives of their loved ones to vote.
TribCast: What high early voting turnout means for Texas
Read full article: TribCast: What high early voting turnout means for TexasEarly voters cast their ballots at the Performing Arts Center at Texas State University in San Marcos on Monday. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune(Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) In this week's episode, Matthew speaks with Alex, Cassi and Patrick about the state of politics in Texas less than two weeks before Election Day.
Texas State University pauses diversity training after Trump executive order threatens federal funding
Read full article: Texas State University pauses diversity training after Trump executive order threatens federal fundingNationwide, the University of Iowa has also suspended training while reviewing the order, as well as some corporations that do business with the federal government. Prior to the order, Texas State offered year-round voluntary diversity training which includes discussions about unconscious bias and microaggressions, Texas State spokesperson Sandra Pantlik said. Texas State law professor Lynn Crossett, who has previously taken diversity training from the university, said there’s nothing controversial within the Texas State training, but the vagueness of the order creates a certain amount of risk for universities. While he said it’s a problem that some universities are canceling diversity training, students shouldn’t worry about long term effects because the order will likely be challenged. But for Benbow, at Texas State, the damage by the university has been done.
Texas State coach, accused of racist comments, resigns
Read full article: Texas State coach, accused of racist comments, resignsSAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State coach Danny Kaspar has resigned three months after a former player accused him of making racist remarks. Athletic director Larry Teis announced Tuesday that he’s accepted Kaspar's resignation and that assistant coach Terrence Johnson will take over the program for the upcoming season. In June, former guard Jaylen Shead tweeted that Kaspar disparaged players with racist comments in practices. Shead transferred to Washington State last year. Texas State launched an investigation into the allegations.
Texas coronavirus hospitalizations are at a two-month low, but school reopenings pose new risks
Read full article: Texas coronavirus hospitalizations are at a two-month low, but school reopenings pose new risksPeople might think we're out of the woods, said Catherine Troisi, an infectious disease epidemiologist at UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston. The last time Texas coronavirus hospitalizations were this low was in late June. Some Texas schools have begun in-person instruction, while many others are waiting to reopen after Labor Day or later in the fall. School leaders must weigh the public health risks of reopening against the social and developmental harm of keeping kids out of school. In Texas, about 53% of public school students are Hispanic, and about 13% are Black.
Texas State University welcomed students back in person Monday. Campus was a ghost town.
Read full article: Texas State University welcomed students back in person Monday. Campus was a ghost town.Students walked through The Quad on Monday, the first day of the fall semester at Texas State University in San Marcos. At 9:45 a.m. Monday, Texas State University looked like a ghost town. By lunchtime at Texas State, campus was still quiet. Social distancing markers at the LBJ Student Center at Texas State University in San Marcos on Monday. Disclosure: Texas State University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas biggest public universities will require masks this fall. Enforcement will be a challenge.
Read full article: Texas biggest public universities will require masks this fall. Enforcement will be a challenge.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneDetermined to see students return to college in the fall, some of Texas' biggest universities are requiring face masks as a safeguard against the coronavirus. Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University officials have all announced that masks will be non-negotiable next semester. But along with anti-mask sentiment, state officials are worried that young Texans are accelerating the spread of COVID-19. In Hays County, home of Texas State, people in their 20s accounted for 50.7% of all the cases last week. Disclosure: Texas State University, the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas State University staff member no longer with school after allegedly saying protesters are a bunch of monkeys
Read full article: Texas State University staff member no longer with school after allegedly saying protesters are a bunch of monkeysSAN MARCOS, Texas Texas State University officials confirmed Wednesday that an employee no longer works at the university after she allegedly called Black Lives Matter protesters a bunch of monkeys." In her comments, Brassell posted racial slurs and threatened to spread COVID-19 if she attends a demonstration, The University Star, Texas States school newspaper, reported. This woman who works at #txst feels comfortable enough to throw out racial slurs and threaten to spread COVID on fb. This woman who works at [Texas State] feels comfortable enough to throw out racial slurs and threaten to spread COVID on Facebook, she wrote. Texas State does not condone these posts and do not reflect Texas States values, the university said in a statement Wednesday.
The Eyes of Texas podcast: Why there's a Body Farm in San Marcos
Read full article: The Eyes of Texas podcast: Why there's a Body Farm in San Marcos"We get about 70 to 80 donations per year," Dr. Daniel Wescott, professor, Department of Anthropology, and director of the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University, said. Mother Nature takes over from there: students enrolled in the Forensic Anthropology program study the corpses as they decompose. WARNING: Skeletal remains can be seen in many of the photographsPHOTOS of the Body Farm in San MarcosFull Screen 1 / 26 Skeletal remains at Freeman Center. Vultures, for instance, have the ability to reduce a recently expired corpse to its skeleton within five to six hours, according to Dr. Daniel Wescott, director, Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State University. SUBSCRIBE NOW:Apple iTunesGoogle PlaySpotifyStitcherMore about Episode 6 of Season 1:To learn more about the Forensic Anthropology Center and why it was created, visit the Texas State University website here.