WEATHER ALERT
Billionaire Jeff Yass gives $100 million to University of Austin for free tuition
Read full article: Billionaire Jeff Yass gives $100 million to University of Austin for free tuitionYass, a school voucher supporter and an influential figure in Texas politics, said the only condition for the gift was for the school not to receive government funding.
Texans approve $850 million endowment for Texas State Technical College
Read full article: Texans approve $850 million endowment for Texas State Technical CollegeThe funds will help the workforce training institution fix campus infrastructure and expand its footprint at a time when the state has seen a decline in skilled workers in some fields.
Texas A&M paid former president Mark A. Welsh III $3.5 million after he resigned
Read full article: Texas A&M paid former president Mark A. Welsh III $3.5 million after he resignedWelsh had pushed for a full payout of the remainder of his contract, something that appears to have been a source of tension between Welsh and top administrators, records show.
Federal appeals court will reconsider West Texas A&M drag show ban
Read full article: Federal appeals court will reconsider West Texas A&M drag show banThe Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday tossed a three-judge panel's earlier ruling that found the ban violated students' free speech rights. The court's 17 judges will rehear the case.
Texas Republicans are redefining higher ed. It’s creating confusion about free speech on campuses.
Read full article: Texas Republicans are redefining higher ed. It’s creating confusion about free speech on campuses.Some students and professors say recent changes and scandals chill speech at universities. Others argue that conservative opinions can now be shared more freely.
Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitions
Read full article: Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitionsOnce considered a safe haven to explore identity, Texas campuses are invalidating and alienating trans people, students say.
Texas State Technical College looks to voters to fund upgrades for old buildings and tools
Read full article: Texas State Technical College looks to voters to fund upgrades for old buildings and toolsProposition 1 would create an $850 million endowment for the college system and its 11 campuses, which are struggling to accommodate a growing student population.
Texas AG Ken Paxton to investigate UNT for not disciplining students accused of celebrating Charlie Kirk killing
Read full article: Texas AG Ken Paxton to investigate UNT for not disciplining students accused of celebrating Charlie Kirk killingPaxton called on the university to expel the students. Free speech experts have previously criticized state leaders who laud Kirk as a free speech champion while seeking to discipline those who have celebrated his death.
Harrison vs. higher ed: How one lawmaker is weaponizing social media to eradicate LGBTQ+ curriculum
Read full article: Harrison vs. higher ed: How one lawmaker is weaponizing social media to eradicate LGBTQ+ curriculumState Rep. Brian Harrison has been on a crusade against Texas universities, scouring course catalogs and university websites for examples of “gender ideology” or LGBTQ+ curriculum, and riling up his X followers about “liberal indoctrination” on campuses.
Some Texas community colleges remove course materials amid broader push to limit gender identity discussions
Read full article: Some Texas community colleges remove course materials amid broader push to limit gender identity discussionsAt least two community colleges, Alvin and Blinn, are also considering what they can and can’t teach to high schoolers enrolled in their fast-growing dual credit courses.
Texas Tech system’s vague guidelines on gender identity spur more questions than answers
Read full article: Texas Tech system’s vague guidelines on gender identity spur more questions than answersFaculty have spent weeks seeking clarity on new restrictions, which have often been issued by word of mouth. A written Q&A was rescinded.
Former state lawmaker Tommy Williams named interim president of Texas A&M
Read full article: Former state lawmaker Tommy Williams named interim president of Texas A&MWilliams replaces former president Mark A. Welsh III, who resigned amid the fallout over a viral video showing an A&M student confronting a professor over a gender-identity discussion.
UT-Austin considering offer to adopt Trump priorities for funding advantages
Read full article: UT-Austin considering offer to adopt Trump priorities for funding advantagesThe funding deal would reportedly ask the university to adopt a stricter definition of gender and a tuition freeze, among other conditions.
What we know about Texas colleges reviewing courses amid push to limit gender identity instruction
Read full article: What we know about Texas colleges reviewing courses amid push to limit gender identity instructionThe federal and state governments want restrictions on recognizing trans and nonbinary people. Here’s how Texas’ higher education leaders are responding.
Anti-DEI crusader Sid Miller urged UT to enroll student emphasizing her race and socioeconomic status
Read full article: Anti-DEI crusader Sid Miller urged UT to enroll student emphasizing her race and socioeconomic statusIn May 2023, Miller wrote a letter urging university leaders to reconsider admitting a student whom he described as a “biracial Latina,” who was also the daughter of his political associate.
About $675 million earmarked for Texas projects is in limbo as Congress careens toward shutdown
Read full article: About $675 million earmarked for Texas projects is in limbo as Congress careens toward shutdownTexas’ congressional delegation obtained tentative funding for infrastructure improvements, university research and other initiatives, but the nearly 350 earmarks are all in jeopardy.
Texas State University professor fired again after court revoked initial firing over “inciting violence”
Read full article: Texas State University professor fired again after court revoked initial firing over “inciting violence”A Texas State spokesperson said Monday evening that the professor’s employment had been “terminated, effective immediately” after a university review.
Texas Tech’s limits on gender identity discussion deepen fears of politics breaching academic freedom
Read full article: Texas Tech’s limits on gender identity discussion deepen fears of politics breaching academic freedomProfessors are afraid to publicly speak out, system leaders left key questions unanswered and advocates worry for LGBTQ+ students’ mental health.
Texas’ guidance on end of in-state tuition for undocumented students doesn’t clear confusion, advocates say
Read full article: Texas’ guidance on end of in-state tuition for undocumented students doesn’t clear confusion, advocates sayThe state is being criticized for advising colleges to verify students’ status with immigration authorities, which could put them at risk.
Angelo State University bans classroom discussions of transgender identities, stirring criticism and confusion
Read full article: Angelo State University bans classroom discussions of transgender identities, stirring criticism and confusionInstead of a campus-wide announcement, faculty members say the restrictions have trickled down through department chairs and college meetings.
While praising Charlie Kirk’s commitment to free speech, Texas leaders move to punish students celebrating his death
Read full article: While praising Charlie Kirk’s commitment to free speech, Texas leaders move to punish students celebrating his deathGov. Greg Abbott called for a student to be expelled for celebrating Kirk’s death. Legal experts say the student’s speech is likely constitutionally protected.
Texas A&M regents name Christian Hardigree president of newly acquired Victoria campus
Read full article: Texas A&M regents name Christian Hardigree president of newly acquired Victoria campusSystem Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Board of Regents chair have stood by the new president amid criticism from some conservatives about her previous work around diversity and equity.
Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III to step down after a week of turmoil over viral classroom video
Read full article: Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III to step down after a week of turmoil over viral classroom videoCalls for Welsh’s ousting intensified over his handling of a student’s complaints about gender identity discussions in a children’s literature class.
Students and professors defend Texas A&M President Mark Welsh amid calls for his ousting
Read full article: Students and professors defend Texas A&M President Mark Welsh amid calls for his oustingSome lawmakers have called for Welsh to be fired over his handling of a student’s complaints about gender identity content being taught in a children’s literature class.
Student who mocked Charlie Kirk’s death “no longer” at Texas State University as clampdowns continue
Read full article: Student who mocked Charlie Kirk’s death “no longer” at Texas State University as clampdowns continueThe university's announcement came hours after Gov. Greg Abbott called for the student's expulsion.
Roughly 350 complaints filed against Texas teachers for alleged comments on killing of Charlie Kirk
Read full article: Roughly 350 complaints filed against Texas teachers for alleged comments on killing of Charlie KirkSeveral school districts have already taken disciplinary action against staff for comments made about the Christian conservative activist’s death.
Faculty, advocacy groups fear Texas A&M firing threatens academic freedom
Read full article: Faculty, advocacy groups fear Texas A&M firing threatens academic freedomThe firing happened over two years after Texas A&M stressed its support for academic freedom and amid a changing higher education landscape.
Texas legislative committees will study freedom of speech on college campuses in wake of Charlie Kirk killing
Read full article: Texas legislative committees will study freedom of speech on college campuses in wake of Charlie Kirk killingThe committees were made to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and come as university faculty have come under online scrutiny.
Texas State fires professor accused of trying to incite political violence in video
Read full article: Texas State fires professor accused of trying to incite political violence in videoThomas Alter’s lawyer said the professor would seek legal action for being fired after allegedly violating university policy in a video posted on social media.
Texas A&M professor fired after viral video disputes termination
Read full article: Texas A&M professor fired after viral video disputes terminationAn attorney for Melissa McCoul, seen in a video clashing with a student over gender-identity content in her class, said the professor is weighing her legal options.
Video of clash over gender-identity content in Texas A&M children’s lit class leads to firing, removals
Read full article: Video of clash over gender-identity content in Texas A&M children’s lit class leads to firing, removalsAfter the video fueled outrage, a professor was fired and two college leaders removed from their administrative roles for approving content inconsistent with the course’s description.
Sen. Brandon Creighton’s switch from lawmaking to Texas Tech leader signals a new era for higher ed
Read full article: Sen. Brandon Creighton’s switch from lawmaking to Texas Tech leader signals a new era for higher edMore Texas universities are turning to politicians to lead their systems, preferring political clout over academic credentials.
Texas launches downloadable form to exempt kids from school-required vaccines
Read full article: Texas launches downloadable form to exempt kids from school-required vaccinesPreviously, parents had to wait for the state to mail them the exemption form. They still have to get the form notarized before submitting it to the school for enrollment purposes.
UT System will push to enforce campus protest bans that judge temporarily blocked
Read full article: UT System will push to enforce campus protest bans that judge temporarily blockedA judge said the university can’t be trusted to enforce a state law that bans overnight “expressive activity,” among other restrictions, in a constitutional way.
State Sen. Brandon Creighton will be Texas Tech’s next chancellor
Read full article: State Sen. Brandon Creighton will be Texas Tech’s next chancellorThe Conroe Republican has authored some of Texas’ major higher education legislation in recent years. He will take over as chancellor once he resigns from the Texas Senate.
More than 800 new laws went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones.
Read full article: More than 800 new laws went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones.New laws range from school vouchers and water infrastructure funding to a ban on city and county-funded abortion travel funds.
Texas universities could see fewer international students amid immigration crackdown, reports say
Read full article: Texas universities could see fewer international students amid immigration crackdown, reports sayAn enrollment drop could cost the Texas economy hundreds of millions of dollars, the reports say.
Champions of truth and democracy, the Tribune’s fall fellows are eager to represent and serve Texas
Read full article: Champions of truth and democracy, the Tribune’s fall fellows are eager to represent and serve TexasStudent fellows support vital initiatives like the Texas Tribune Festival and provide in-depth coverage of key issues.
“Bathroom bill” advances in Texas House days after tensions flared at hearing
Read full article: “Bathroom bill” advances in Texas House days after tensions flared at hearingSenate Bill 8, which now heads to the House floor, would restrict which bathrooms in government buildings transgender people would be allowed to use.
Confusion reigns as Texas colleges scramble to comply with ban on in-state tuition for undocumented students
Read full article: Confusion reigns as Texas colleges scramble to comply with ban on in-state tuition for undocumented studentsThe state isn’t providing schools with guidance and advocates say students who still qualify for lower rates are being asked to pay thousands more.
Fifth Circuit halts West Texas A&M drag show ban as free speech lawsuit continues
Read full article: Fifth Circuit halts West Texas A&M drag show ban as free speech lawsuit continuesIn a split decision, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the school’s prohibition on drag performances, finding students are likely to prove it violates the First Amendment.
Texas State System dissolves faculty senates, eroding professors' influence on campuses
Read full article: Texas State System dissolves faculty senates, eroding professors' influence on campusesWhile other universities move to preserve the advisory bodies, Texas State will abolish them under a new state law that curtails faculty’s influence on campuses.
From racism claims to a $725,000 settlement, a UNT professor’s lawsuit mirrors Texas’ shifting views on free speech
Read full article: From racism claims to a $725,000 settlement, a UNT professor’s lawsuit mirrors Texas’ shifting views on free speechProfessor Timothy Jackson was accused of making racist remarks at the height of the racial reckoning that followed George Floyd's murder. His free speech suit against the university comes to an end in the era of DEI bans.
Texas A&M System’s new leader hints faculty senates in state leaders’ crosshairs will stay
Read full article: Texas A&M System’s new leader hints faculty senates in state leaders’ crosshairs will stayIn an interview with the Tribune, Chancellor Glenn Hegar also said he would prioritize student outcomes over big projects and skirted questions about diversity and academic freedom.
Proposed Pell Grant cuts threaten college access for nearly 500,000 Texas college students
Read full article: Proposed Pell Grant cuts threaten college access for nearly 500,000 Texas college studentsProposals in the federal budget bill would cut the maximum Pell Grant award amount by $1,500 and take away eligibility for students enrolled less than half-time.
Texas A&M, university systems in other red states will create their own agency to review schools’ quality standards
Read full article: Texas A&M, university systems in other red states will create their own agency to review schools’ quality standardsThe creation of the new accrediting agency comes as Republicans have criticized existing ones for reinforcing a liberal bias in the country's higher ed institutions.
What Texas lawmakers did this session to close the state’s workforce gaps
Read full article: What Texas lawmakers did this session to close the state’s workforce gapsLegislation approved this year is partly aimed at helping Texas meet its goal of helping 60% of working-age Texans get a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.
Texas directs public universities to identify undocumented students
Read full article: Texas directs public universities to identify undocumented studentsThe directive comes after a court rescinded undocumented students’ eligibility for in-state tuition. It’s unclear what information schools might ask from students and how their immigration data will be protected.
Once again targeting higher ed, Texas lawmakers limited faculty influence, campus speech this session
Read full article: Once again targeting higher ed, Texas lawmakers limited faculty influence, campus speech this sessionLawmakers also approved direct pay for student athletes and sought better pathways from college to the workforce.
Undocumented students rethink their college dreams after Texas cuts their access to cheaper tuition
Read full article: Undocumented students rethink their college dreams after Texas cuts their access to cheaper tuitionThousands of undocumented students who grew up in Texas now face college tuition costs that are more than twice what other state residents pay.
Judge denies undocumented students’ attempt to challenge sudden loss of in-state tuition
Read full article: Judge denies undocumented students’ attempt to challenge sudden loss of in-state tuitionTwo groups tried to intervene in a case that blocked Texas’ decade-old law allowing certain undocumented students to pay the lower tuition rates at public universities. They’re appealing that decision.
School choice forum to help Houston families understand Texas’ new voucher program
Read full article: School choice forum to help Houston families understand Texas’ new voucher programHAPPENING TODAY! The Frederick Douglass Freedom Alliance (FDFA) will host a FREE forum at the Christian Bible Church in Missouri City from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now they’re celebrating its end.
Read full article: Texas Republicans pioneered in-state tuition for undocumented students. Now they’re celebrating its end.In 2001, Texas Republicans saw expanding college access for certain undocumented students as a way to build an educated workforce. Now, some GOP lawmakers feel only U.S. citizens should receive those benefits.
Texas’ undocumented college students no longer qualify for in-state tuition
Read full article: Texas’ undocumented college students no longer qualify for in-state tuitionWithin hours of a federal lawsuit targeting Texas’ policy of letting undocumented students qualify for lower public tuition rates, the 24-year-old law was no more.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
Lawmakers approve bill limiting protests at public universities
Read full article: Lawmakers approve bill limiting protests at public universitiesThe proposal is largely in response to massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations last year. Critics say it would walk back free speech protections that conservatives advocated for in previous legislative sessions.
Bill to give political appointees more oversight over Texas universities wins final passage
Read full article: Bill to give political appointees more oversight over Texas universities wins final passageThe latest version of the proposal eliminates language that would have required university curricula not to advocate that “any race, sex, ethnicity or religious belief is inherently superior to another.”
Faculty and students blast Texas House panel for limiting testimony on bill that targets state universities
Read full article: Faculty and students blast Texas House panel for limiting testimony on bill that targets state universitiesThe House's higher education committee closed registration to testify on Senate Bill 37 less than half an hour after the hearing started. About 20 people said they didn't get to address lawmakers.
After college students protested Israel-Hamas war, Texas Senate votes to restrict time, place and manner of future events
Read full article: After college students protested Israel-Hamas war, Texas Senate votes to restrict time, place and manner of future eventsSen. Brandon Creighton says the bill will prevent disruption. Critics say it walks back conservative lawmakers' previous pledge to protect campus free speech.
After immigration crackdown, international students in Texas self-censor to protect their education
Read full article: After immigration crackdown, international students in Texas self-censor to protect their educationStudents told the Tribune they have deleted social media accounts, socialize less and steer clear of charged topics to avoid becoming targets of immigration authorities.
UT System announces $100 million investment into civic leadership school
Read full article: UT System announces $100 million investment into civic leadership schoolThe money will help pay for a permanent home for the school on UT-Austin's campus. Conservative donors and lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, helped create the school in 2023.
UT-Dallas’ new president will be Prabhas Moghe, regents say
Read full article: UT-Dallas’ new president will be Prabhas Moghe, regents sayMoghe, Rutgers University’s chief academic officer, is a biochemical and biomedical engineer and a former international student. He is expected to start in his new role later this year.
Texas Senate panel advances bill that would no longer allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition
Read full article: Texas Senate panel advances bill that would no longer allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuitionThe bill would overturn a two-decade-old law allowing some undocumented college students to pay in-state tuition.
Texas House committee advances legislation that targets state’s universities
Read full article: Texas House committee advances legislation that targets state’s universitiesSenate bills that reduce the influence of faculties and restrict protests on college campuses were voted out of committee in a last-minute meeting Monday.
Texas House approves antisemitism bill in response to pro-Palestinian protests
Read full article: Texas House approves antisemitism bill in response to pro-Palestinian protestsThe bill, which would require schools to use a definition of antisemitism when considering discipline for students, will soon head over to Abbott’s desk.
Texas universities say Trump administration restored immigration status of some international students
Read full article: Texas universities say Trump administration restored immigration status of some international studentsMore than 250 students in Texas had their status revoked in recent weeks. Despite the reversal, federal attorneys say they’re developing policies to resume terminations.
Court orders immigration officials to restore legal status of three people who came to Texas on student visas
Read full article: Court orders immigration officials to restore legal status of three people who came to Texas on student visasThe three former students went to UT-Arlington and UT-Dallas. While they have prevailed in court so far, many other international students’ education futures remain uncertain.
UT-Rio Grande Valley students caught in nationwide sweep sue Homeland Security over immigration status
Read full article: UT-Rio Grande Valley students caught in nationwide sweep sue Homeland Security over immigration statusThe four students were involved in minor criminal cases that have been resolved, which they argue shouldn’t be used to justify ending their higher ed goals in Texas.
Texas law students warn that bill to quash “terrorist activity” in universities could trample free speech rights
Read full article: Texas law students warn that bill to quash “terrorist activity” in universities could trample free speech rightsThe bill would require universities to report any visa-holding students who support terrorism, but its vague language could be dangerous, civil rights groups say.
Texas Senate approves bill that could reshape how history and race are taught in state universities
Read full article: Texas Senate approves bill that could reshape how history and race are taught in state universitiesAn overhauled version of Senate Bill 37 would also allow anyone to file complaints that could lead schools to lose funds.
More than 250 international students’ immigration statuses revoked across Texas universities
Read full article: More than 250 international students’ immigration statuses revoked across Texas universitiesThe people affected include a University of Houston professor from Korea who was teaching upper level math under a type of student visa that allows graduates to work in their field of study.
15 Texas A&M international students might have quietly lost their ability to stay in the U.S.
Read full article: 15 Texas A&M international students might have quietly lost their ability to stay in the U.S.The Trump administration has said it has revoked the visas of more than 300 international students across the country in the last three weeks.
Five ways a funding overhaul has transformed Texas community colleges
Read full article: Five ways a funding overhaul has transformed Texas community collegesMore than a year after Texas’ House Bill 8 took effect, some schools have offered free tuition, grown dual credit programs or helped students’ credits transfer when they move on to four-year schools.
Interim UT-Austin president seeks to walk fine line between faculty and lawmakers’ concerns
Read full article: Interim UT-Austin president seeks to walk fine line between faculty and lawmakers’ concernsJim Davis told professors he’ll share their concerns with lawmakers about proposals that would increase oversight on curricula and hiring. Elsewhere on campus, former UT-Austin President Jay Hartzell criticized the bills.
Texas A&M can’t ban “Draggieland” drag show, federal judge rules
Read full article: Texas A&M can’t ban “Draggieland” drag show, federal judge rulesJudge Lee H. Rosenthal said the student group that organizes Draggieland, the Queer Empowerment Council, was likely to succeed in showing the ban violates the First Amendment.
Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discrimination
Read full article: Texas’ DEI debate centers on a disagreement about whether programs perpetuate or prevent discriminationSupporters say diversity initiatives close educational and income gaps born from a history of prejudice. Republican officials say they prioritize identity over merit.
Texas faculty testify against bills to screen universities’ curriculum for “ideological” bias
Read full article: Texas faculty testify against bills to screen universities’ curriculum for “ideological” biasLawmakers say several bills under consideration Thursday would “address the unchecked authority of faculty.” They would expand university governing boards’ oversight powers.
Texas lawmakers seek to transfer University of Houston-Victoria to Texas A&M system
Read full article: Texas lawmakers seek to transfer University of Houston-Victoria to Texas A&M systemSen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said Texas A&M is better positioned to grow the Victoria school and serve the region’s petrochemical and agriculture industries.
University of North Texas and Rice University under federal investigation for “race-exclusionary practices”
Read full article: University of North Texas and Rice University under federal investigation for “race-exclusionary practices”The Texas universities are among dozens accused of violating the law by partnering with a group that had sought to increase diversity in graduate programs.
Texas bill would increase oversight of universities’ hiring, curriculum and compliance
Read full article: Texas bill would increase oversight of universities’ hiring, curriculum and complianceSenate Bill 37 would create a state office to investigate complaints against universities and require governing boards to ensure courses don’t endorse certain ideologies.
In lawsuit settlement, Texas Tech’s med school promises it won’t consider race in admissions
Read full article: In lawsuit settlement, Texas Tech’s med school promises it won’t consider race in admissionsGeorge Stewart sued Texas Tech University Health Science Center and five other medical schools claiming they rejected him in favor of lesser qualified students of color.
Texas Tech officials trying to determine what caused explosion and fires that prompted campus closure
Read full article: Texas Tech officials trying to determine what caused explosion and fires that prompted campus closureA day after the incident in which green flames could be seen coming out of manholes, 40% of the university in Lubbock remains without power.
Texas A&M Board of Regents names Glenn Hegar as university system’s next leader
Read full article: Texas A&M Board of Regents names Glenn Hegar as university system’s next leaderHegar, who currently serves as Texas comptroller, will replace A&M Chancellor John Sharp in leading the 157,000-student system.
Part of pro-Palestinian student art exhibit at UNT removed amid antisemitism complaints by state lawmakers
Read full article: Part of pro-Palestinian student art exhibit at UNT removed amid antisemitism complaints by state lawmakersFive GOP lawmakers who targeted the exhibit also called for the cancellation of the “Palestinian Children and the Politics of Genocide” lecture, which is still scheduled.
Republican senators threaten not to boost Texas public universities’ funding over DEI ban
Read full article: Republican senators threaten not to boost Texas public universities’ funding over DEI banIn a letter, Sens. Brandon Creighton and Paul Bettencourt said they found “numerous” violations of the law, but didn’t provide specifics.