Austin, TX

Interim UT-Austin president seeks to walk fine line between faculty and lawmakers’ concerns

Published

7 months ago

March 25, 2025

Interim UT-Austin president seeks to walk fine line between faculty and lawmakers’ concerns

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In his first meeting with faculty leadership since being named interim president of the University of Texas at Austin, Jim Davis said he’d share their concerns and good work with state lawmakers considering legislation to increase oversight on universities’ curricula and hiring — but stopped short of saying he’d challenge efforts to limit faculty’s influence on campuses.

“You will always hear me say on any topic that I do not want to cause harm to this university,” Davis said. “I always want to help it, protect it, preserve it and grow it. And so where that balance is, I need to figure that out.”

Davis was named interim president of the UT System’s flagship last month at a critical time for higher education in Texas and nationwide. At the state level, faculty senates have become the latest target.

These bodies are made up of professors from each college and make recommendations on academic policies, curriculum design and faculty hiring and evaluation. They can also be an outlet for faculty to express disapproval with university leadership.

Several bills have been filed this legislative session that would require half of a faculty senate’s members to be appointed by university administrators rather than elected by faculty. They would also prohibit faculty senates from conducting investigations or taking any action on personnel or curricula, shifting those responsibilities to the governing boards that oversee universities. Governing boards have always had the ultimate responsibility and authority over those matters but usually delegated them.

UT-Austin faculty on Monday asked Davis if he was comfortable publicly expressing his opinions on legislative proposals or if he had been encouraged to keep quiet.

“I’m not bothered about saying what I say in public,” Davis said. “People that know me in this room — and many of you do — know that I am not always the person that follows all the rules. At the same time, what I want to do is make sure I do my very dead-level best to put this university in the best position to succeed.”

He said maintaining UT’s excellent teaching, research and student experience is his first priority.

“And so I want to start by letting you know how grateful I am to the faculty, that the faculty is the essence of teaching excellence and research excellence,” he said. “We have not forgotten that.”

Davis also acknowledged that the university’s finances are uncertain.

UT-Austin, like other universities across the country, stands to lose millions of dollars if the federal government follows through with a plan to slash spending on research overhead. State lawmakers also continue to threaten to yank public universities’ funding over the perception that they are not complying with the state’s ban on diversity, equity and inclusion offices and programs and that they are too left-leaning.

Davis said UT-Austin has dealt with these kinds of threats at least twice in its history and that he thinks the university can overcome them by telling its story better.

“Every different viewpoint matters here. We need to be able to sustain those kinds of things for the protection of education and, frankly, the protection of democracy,” he said.

State lawmakers are also considering banning DEI in coursework and research and requiring universities to use the state’s broad definition of what constitutes antisemitism in student disciplinary proceedings, which critics say will stifle free speech.

A few hours before Davis met with faculty, his predecessor, Jay Hartzell, was more candid about some of those proposals during an interview with Evan Smith, a UT professor and founder of The Texas Tribune, at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.

When asked about Senate Bill 37, which would prohibit college courses from endorsing “specific public policies, ideologies or legislation,” Hartzell pointed out that UT-Austin has taught Marxism for a long time and “that’s a good thing.” Some lawmakers have expressed concern that classes with gender, race and identity in the title are being used to fulfill core curriculum requirements.

“Even if you are on the other side of that argument, say, capitalism, it’s good to know how the other side is seeing the world. And so I think I feel way differently about what is offered than I do what’s required,” Hartzell said.

Hartzell also said another provision of the bill, which would allow regents to have the final say on every university hire in a leadership position, sounded like an “administrative nightmare.”

Hartzell compared universities to law firms in which presidents are managing partners and “the faculty are partners in this effort and there’s a reason they have the say they have.” Hartzell faced strong faculty pushback firsthand last spring when he called in state police to help wrangle pro-Palestinian protesters.

Hartzell was a dean before he was named UT-Austin president in 2020 while Davis was chief operating officer.

As president, Hartzell said he had to think about the short- and long-term effects of taking a stand against the Legislature. The long-term effects of protesting the DEI ban last legislative session, he said, ultimately outweighed the short-term ones. He oversaw the layoff of dozens of employees and the closure of the school’s multicultural center.

“If we hadn’t laid anybody off and let these perceived inefficiencies continue forever, I thought we’d be pounded in the next session,” Hartzell said.

The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.

Disclosure: University of Texas at Austin and University of Texas at Austin – LBJ School of Public Affairs 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. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

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Austin, TX

Texans are voting to add parental rights to the constitution. What does that mean?

Published

1 day ago

November 3, 2025

Press Room

Texans are voting to add parental rights to the constitution. What does that mean?

AUSTIN — Texans are voting Tuesday to add rights for parents who find themselves at odds with the state or other governmental entities over how to raise their children, making Texas the first state to add parental rights to its founding document if Proposition 15 passes.

If approved, the new language will be added to Article 1 of the Texas Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights. That’s the section that lays out the rights and protections for Texans, including limits on the government’s power, and the individual freedoms of speech, religion and the right to bear arms, among others.

What does the amendment say?

“To enshrine truths that are deeply rooted in this nation’s history and traditions, the people of Texas hereby affirm that a parent has the responsibility to nurture and protect the parent’s child and the corresponding fundamental right to exercise care, custody, and control of the parent’s child, including the right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing.”

Would it change any state laws?

There is no indication that this will substantially change any state or federal laws, including those against child abuse or other protections, attorneys who support the bill have said, if it’s approved. Instead, it gathers up rights that have already been established over a century in state and U.S. Supreme Court case law, the bill’s author said.

Did any lawmakers vote against it?

Yes, but most didn’t. For an amendment to be presented to voters, it has to gain at least two-thirds support in the Legislature, so this one had bipartisan support. The amendment won unanimous support in the Senate but was opposed by two dozen Democrats in the House, many of them members of the far-left Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus who warned that laws spotlighting the rights of the parents often ignore the needs of children to be heard and protected by the government — often from their own parents.

Is this a new issue?

No. State leaders in Republican-dominated Texas have been pushing for more laws like this for years. In 2019, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a report defending parental rights against state interference at the request of a Republican House chairman. In 2023, Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed a package of legislation intended to strengthen parents’ voices in education, including giving them access to curriculum and library materials.

What was the first parental rights decision in the U.S.?

Notable federal cases that have contributed to parental-rights precedents go as far back as 1923, when the U.S. Supreme Court established a parent’s right to guide their children’s education “suitable to their station in life.” In 1925, a century ago, the court cemented that right with a precedent-setting opinion: “The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.”

What has happened since then?

Several additional cases. In 1972, Wisconsin vs. Yoder established the right to raise your child in the religion of your choosing. In the early ‘80s, the court required a higher burden of proof to terminate parental rights. In the 2000 decision Troxel vs. Granville, the court connected parental rights to the 14th Amendment protections of privacy.

In 1979, the court’s majority opinion summed up its position this way:

“The statist notion that governmental power should supersede parental authority in all cases because some parents abuse and neglect children is repugnant to American tradition.”

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Austin, TX

Austin FC bows out of MLS playoffs after 4-1 loss to LAFC

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2025

Press Room

Austin FC bows out of MLS playoffs after 4-1 loss to LAFC

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a match with a combined 27 fouls and eight yellow cards, visiting LAFC overwhelmed Austin FC 4-1 on Sunday at Q2 Stadium, advancing to the Western Conference semifinals of the MLS playoffs.

With the victory, LAFC claimed the best-of-3 first-round series 2-0 following their 2-1 win Oct. 29 in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min (7) celebrates a win against over Austin FC during Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Actor Matthew McConaughey, foreground, acknowledges the fans as he walks a sideline before Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs between Los Angeles FC and Austin FC, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Celebrations take place before Los Angeles FC and Austin FC compete in Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Austin FC midfielder Owen Wolff (33) battles for possession over Los Angeles FC defender Ryan Porteous (5) during the first half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Austin FC midfielder Myrto Uzuni (10) reacts after missing a penally kick against Los Angeles FC during the first half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Austin FC defender Brendan Hines-Ike (4) celebrates after midfielder Daniel Pereira (8) scored a penalty kick against Los Angeles FC during first half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Los Angeles FC forward Jeremy Ebobisse (17) celebrates a goal against Austin FC with defender Sergi Palencia (14) and forward Son Heung-Min (7) during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Los Angeles FC forward Jeremy Ebobisse (17) scores a goal against Austin FC during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Los Angeles FC forward Jeremy Ebobisse (17) celebrates a goal against Austin FC during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Los Angeles FC midfielder Andy Moran (19) and Austin FC defender Žan Kolmanič (23) battle for the ball during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min (7) looks to take control of the ball against Austin FC during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga (99) drives between Austin FC defender Julio Cascante (18), defender Brendan Hines-Ike (4) and defender Guilherme Biro (29) during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira scores a penalty kick against Los Angeles FC during first half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Q2 Stadium is viewed before Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)

By the time Austin FC’s Dani Pereira converted a penalty kick in the waning moment of first-half stoppage time, LAFC went into the locker room up 3-1 and in full control of the match.

Son Heung-min, the former Tottenham Hotspur captain who joined LAFC in August, opened the scoring in the 21st minute by beating Ilie Sanchez with a nasty stepover, and then he fired a shot past Brad Stuver from just outside the 6-yard box.

MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up for our More than the Score sports newsletter at kxan.com/newsletters

Denis Bouanga bagged a pair of goals in the first half to build LAFC’s insurmountable advantage. His first came four minutes after Son’s opening marker and was his 100th goal across all competitions with the club. His second goal added salt to the wound for Austin to make it 3-0 in the 44th minute. It came after LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris stopped a Myrto Uzuni penalty kick attempt in the 39th minute.

LAFC’s Jeremy Ebobisse entered the match for Son in the 88th minute and, in five minutes, added another tally. He fired a left-footed shot past Stuver’s sliding boot to put an exclamation point on the final match of the season in Austin.

LAFC outshot Austin 17-7, including 5-4 on target, and Austin was whistled for offside three times.

It was the first time since 2022 that Austin made the MLS playoffs. They entered the postseason as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.

Coupled with its playoff appearance and runner-up finish in the U.S. Open Cup, Austin took a step in the right direction under first-year head coach Nico Estevez.

LAFC will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the conference semifinals.

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Austin, TX

Austin Highlights: Nov 3 To 6 – Food, Music, Arts & More

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2025

Press Room

Austin Highlights: Nov 3 To 6 – Food, Music, Arts & More

Last Updated On – 2nd November, 2025

Jump to: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday

The best free and fun events in Austin, November 3 – 6, include Maroon 5 in concert, Oltrf Block Party, and more!

Austin turns up the energy long before the weekend hits, and our Austin picks Nov 3 to 6 2025 round up the can’t-miss events keeping the city buzzing all week. Explore what’s happening this week and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, November 3, 2025

Jesse McCartney in concert

Get to see Jesse McCartney live and hear the latest music from his 2024 EP, All’s Well, and enjoy a thrilling show!

Where: Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live), 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 3, 2025 | 8 pm
How Much: Not stated

Waterloo Wellness: Yoga & Sound

Austin picks Nov 3 to 6 2025 - Waterloo Wellness

Image Credit: Waterloo Greenway FB Page

Start each week with feel-good vibes at Waterloo Wellness: Yoga & Sound. Experience mindful movement in a class that features a different style of yoga each time, perfectly accompanied by live music and healing sound therapy.

All ages and abilities are warmly welcome to join this unique and restorative event!

Where: Moody Amphitheater, Waterloo Park, 500 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 3, 2025 | 6 pm – 7 pm
How Much: Free

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, November 4, 2025

World Ballet Company presents Cinderella

Image credit: World Ballet Company

Step into the magical world of Cinderella, live on stage, for one of the most enchanting Austin picks Nov 3 to 6 2025!

The World Ballet Company brings this beloved fairy tale to life in a spectacular Broadway-style production that delights all ages, flawlessly blending humor, romance, and the timeless majesty of classical ballet.

This dazzling show features a cast of 40 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, exquisite hand-crafted sets, and captivating choreography by Marina Kesler.

Every moment is filled with charm and wonder, from the mischievous evil stepsisters to the breathtaking ballroom scenes, promising you an unforgettable journey of magic, beauty, and “happily ever after.” Just remember what happens when the clock strikes midnight!

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $46.80

Maroon 5 in concert

Pop-rock band Maroon 5 is coming to Austin to perform in support of their brand new album, Love is Like. Get ready for a high-energy show as the band plays hits from their new release and their beloved catalog.

Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 8 pm
How Much: Starts at $64

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, November 5, 2025

The 50th Annual Garage & Estate Sale Preview Party

Image Credit: The Settlement Home for Children Foster and Adoption Program FB Page

Get ready for an incredible shopping opportunity at the 50th Annual Garage & Estate Sale! The Settlement Home for Children’s massive annual sale gives you the chance to purchase thousands of items at bargain prices.

You’ll find a massive selection ranging from jewelry, tools, and vintage collectibles to children’s clothing. The festivities will begin with a special preview party on November 5th, before the public days run from November 7th through 9th.

Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, November 5 – 9, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Free to $25

Oltorf Block Party

Loro is hosting its first-ever Oltorf Block Party, a community-driven, market-style event to celebrate the launch of their new collaboration hat with Mañana Austin’s surf gear and apparel brand.

You can expect a night of good food, great vibes, and awesome giveaways! The party will also feature some of the city’s favorite local brands, one-night-only menu collaborations, exclusive giveaways, and live music.

Where: Loro Asian Smokehouse and Bar, 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 6 pm – 8 pm
How Much: $38

Texas Theatre and Dance presents Cabaret

Step into the vibrant and tumultuous world of 1930s Berlin with Texas Theatre and Dance’s presentation of Cabaret.

Watch as a young American writer arrives in the city and immediately falls for the English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, the boarding house owner, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered Jewish fruit seller.

The iconic production features unforgettable musical numbers like “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama,” and “Two Ladies.”

Where: B. Iden Payne Theatre, 300 E 23rd St, Austin, TX 78712
When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $10

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, November 6, 2025

Out of Bounds Comedy Festival

Image Credit: Out of Bounds Comedy Festival FB Page

Get ready to laugh non-stop at the beloved, Austin-grown Out of Bounds Comedy Festival (OOB), one of the best Austin picks Nov 3 to 6 2025!

After a six-year hiatus, the festival is back, featuring a packed schedule of hilarity. You can look forward to seeing incredible performances by talented local Austin acts and troupes from around the country.

Plus, the festival will also bring in special guest Dropout.TV all-stars including Ify Nwadiwe, Kimia Behpoornia, and Ross Bryant!

Where: Various locations in Austin
When: Thursday, November 6 – 9, 2025
How Much: Varies

Austin Polish Film Festival

You are invited to the Austin Polish Film Festival (APFF)! Over the years, this event has contributed to the vibrant Austin film scene by screening over 400 films and hosting numerous filmmakers.

This year’s festival will present a diverse and carefully selected lineup from among the latest award-winning features, documentaries, and animations. This unique platform gives Polish filmmakers a fantastic opportunity to share their work with a diverse audience.

Where: AFS Cinema, 6259 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752
When: Thursday, November 6 – 9, 2025
How Much: Free – $120

Much Ado About Nothing

After years of war, you can step into an idyllic Italian town that is finally back in bloom for this performance.

Watch as the young lovers Claudio and Hero, along with the sparring singletons Beatrice and Benedick, discover that all is not as it seems in their beautiful surroundings. This classic comedy entangles them all in a series of mischievous games, pranks, and cunning plots.

Where: Mary Moody Northen Theatre, 3001 S Congress Ave Building THAR, Austin, TX 78704
When: Thursday, November 6 – 16, 2025
How Much: $15 – $28

Don’t let the weekdays have all the fun. Discover more Austin weekend events, food festivals, and free happenings here.

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.