Austin, TX

What is a pro-Palestine protest? Here’s why U.S. college students are protesting

Published

2 years ago

April 24, 2024

What is a pro-Palestine protest? Here’s why U.S. college students are protesting

Dozens of protesters at the University of Texas were arrested Wednesday during a peaceful, pro-Palestinian protest hosted on the campus by the Palestine Solidarity Committee.

“UT Austin does not tolerate disruptions of campus activities or operations like we have seen at other campuses,” the UT Division of Student Affairs said in a statement before the protest.

After about 45 minutes of the crowd marching south on the mall from the Gregory Gym area, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and campus police ordered the protesters to disperse or “be arrested as per the penal code.”

Here’s why UT-Austin students are protesting:

What is a pro-Palestine protest?

Pro-Palestinian protests are demonstrations in support of Palestinian rights, typically calling for an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Protests began in the wake of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, triggered by the Palestinian militant group’s assault on Israeli communities Oct. 7, killing almost 1,200 people.

Israel’s subsequent bombardment and invasion of Gaza has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians — militants and civilians; men, women and children — and has fueled a dire humanitarian crisis.

Where is Palestine located?

Palestine is recognized as an independent state by the United Nations and more than 135 of its members, but it is not recognized by the U.S., according to History. The UN considers it a single occupied entity, but the official borders are undetermined, BBC News reported.

Though its borders have shifted over the years, Palestinian territories used to be what is now Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.

When searching for “Palestine” on Google Maps, the map zooms in on the Israel-Palestine region, and both the Gaza Strip and West Bank territories are labeled and separated by dotted lines. But there is no label for Palestine.

In an email statement, Google said it doesn’t label the borders because there isn’t international consensus on where the Palestinian boundaries are located.

Why are college students protesting?

The Palestine Solidarity Committee, a registered UT student group and a chapter of the national Students for Justice in Palestine, planned a protest Wednesday at the UT campus in solidarity with students across the U.S., including at Columbia University, Yale University and New York University, who are calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.

Across the country, pro-Palestinian student protesters have occupied campuses in tent encampments this week in a campaign to urge their universities to divest, an action students over the decades have demanded from their schools’ administrators.

At pro-Palestinian rally at UT-Austin, protesters arrested

Multiple protesters on UT-Austin’s campus were arrested during a pro-Palestinian rally held by students.

What is ‘divest’?

The word “divest” refers to diverting money from a university’s endowment — the pool of money a college has and tries to grow through investments. Some of the biggest university endowments in the country total nearly $50 billion and comprise thousands of funds.

The protesters opposed to Israel’s military attacks in Gaza say they want their schools to stop funneling endowment money to Israeli companies and other businesses, like weapons manufacturers, that profit from the war in Gaza.

“The university would rather enforce and put money into policing our communities and policing their own students then they would to supporting them,” said Anachí Ponce, a UT student who attended the protest. “These are students who are protesting a genocide and the lack of action from UT administration for the way that they haven’t been super helpful against hate crimes against Muslim students on campus.”

“It’s like, why is our money being used to fund bombs overseas?,” said Layla Saliba, a student protester researching endowment investments with the group Columbia University Apartheid Divestment. “Let’s reinvest this money in our community instead,” she said.

In addition to divestment, protesters across the U.S. are calling for a cease-fire and student governments at some colleges have also passed resolutions in recent weeks calling for an end to academic partnerships with Israel.

Are universities investing in Israel?

Protesters have called for a halt to investments in Israel, but experts say that might be too simplified a take on what colleges have done with their funds. To begin with, it’s difficult to define what an “investment” in Israel entails, said economist Sandy Baum, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute who studies college finances.

She said bigger investments are more obvious than smaller ones tucked away in mutual funds — an investment tool that pools money and spreads it out over many assets, and a type of financial tool on which many colleges rely.

Universities hire private companies to manage their endowments to preserve their funds over the long run, Baum said.

Debates about the investments of college endowments are complicated, Baum said, because some university stakeholders argue the money needs to produce the biggest return on investment possible to fund teaching and necessary programming and services.

“The purpose of the endowment is to have money that will allow the university to permanently provide educational opportunities so that they don’t have to go out and raise new money every year to continue operating,” she said.

The bigger a university’s endowment, the more is at stake. That’s one reason why pro-Palestinian student protesters at wealthy universities are fighting so hard this week, she said. There’s a lot of money involved.

“There are always going to be differencesof opinion about what you don’t want to invest in,” Baum said.

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Austin, TX

Austin flights delayed after FAA staffing shortage triggers ground stop

Published

5 hours ago

October 28, 2025

Press Room

Austin flights delayed after FAA staffing shortage triggers ground stop

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport hit another snag Monday as the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop, halting departures and delaying arrivals amid a nationwide squeeze on air traffic control staffing caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The order, lifted around 4 p.m., gave way to a ground delay program expected to continue until 7 p.m., with inbound flights averaging 39-minute delays and some waiting up to 90 minutes before takeoff.

It’s at least the third time in two weeks Austin travelers have felt the pinch. Similar slowdowns snarled flights on Oct. 13 and again Oct. 19, when Formula 1 race crowds flooded the city.

Austin’s control tower, already operating with fewer than half the controllers the FAA says it needs, is not alone. Airports across the country have been hit by rolling slowdowns as unpaid controllers—required to report for duty but now weeks without paychecks—struggle to keep the system running safely.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News on Saturday that “things will only get worse” if the shutdown continues, warning that controller fatigue and financial strain are compounding delays coast to coast.

The FAA acknowledged the ongoing issues in an out-of-office auto-reply email the American-Statesman received in response to a request for comment.

“There have been increased staffing shortages across the system,” the message said. “When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations. For real-time flight impacts at U.S. airports due to staffing, weather, or other factors, please visit www.fly.faa.gov.”

Local officials tried to keep things upbeat. The Austin airport told the Statesman the facility “has not experienced significant delays to the customer experience since the government shutdown began,” but urged travelers to arrive early and “keep an eye on flight status” as holiday season chaos looms.

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Austin, TX

Habitat for Humanity to build 25 affordable homes in Austin in 5 days

Published

1 day ago

October 27, 2025

Press Room

Habitat for Humanity to build 25 affordable homes in Austin in 5 days

AUSTIN, Texas — Habitat for Humanity is set to begin construction on 25 affordable homes in Austin’s Whisper Valley community, located in East Travis County. The project, which kicks off tomorrow, is part of a larger initiative to honor Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter by eventually bringing 500 affordable houses and condos to the area. Thousands of volunteers are expected to participate in the five-day build.

“Our faith in ourselves, our faith in each other, and our faith in god. That’s what habitat means to me,” Former President Jimmy Carter said in a video played at Sunday’s project opening.

ALSO: Austin emergency crews complete water rescue of pedestrian trapped near Lady Bird Lake

Austin Habitat for Humanity CEO Michele Anderson emphasized the importance of home ownership.

“Our country was built on our families being able to work hard and buy a home.” She noted that the price range for the new homes and condos will be between $115,000 and $235,000, making them accessible to the community.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson highlighted the city’s progress in land use and regulation over the past three years. He said this is an effort to continue that trend.

“It helps us change the game,” Watson said. “What we’re able to do is not only build the houses, but we’re also able to create the focus.”

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Anderson added that Habitat for Humanity plans to build 75 homes annually, with the long-term project expected to be completed in the next five to seven years.

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Austin, TX

Dia De Los Muertos Austin: Parades, Altars & Events

Published

2 days ago

October 26, 2025

Press Room

Dia De Los Muertos Austin: Parades, Altars & Events

Last Updated On – 25th October, 2025

Jump to: Parades | Family Events and Workshops

Dia de Los Muertos Austin is one of the most anticipated cultural events, deeply rooted in the city’s strong Mexican and Latin communities and embraced by its diverse, multicultural spirit.

In fact, Austin is home to one of the largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos celebrations in Texas, the Viva La Vida Festival, a lively expression of art, music, and remembrance that brings the community together in a way few other events can.

Across the city, you’ll also find parades filled with elaborate costumes, altars glowing with marigolds, and performances that pay homage to life’s enduring connections.

If you’re ready to experience Austin at its most colorful and heartfelt, here are the best Dia de los Muertos Austin events that bring tradition, creativity, and community pride to life.

Keep the festivities going all season long — discover more from our Austin guide for events, concerts, and local happenings.

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.

Additionally, a few links in this article may help The Austinot earn a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.

Also, check out our articles on Pumpkin Patches in Austin, Halloween Events in Austin, and Things to Do this Fall in Austin!

Parades & Large Celebrations — Día de los Muertos Austin

CANCELED: Viva La Vida Festival and Parade

Dia de los Muertos Austin - Viva La Vida Festival and Parade

Image credit: Mexic-Arte Museum kids

Immerse yourself in culture as the Mexic-Arte Museum presents the 42nd Annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade, Austin’s largest and longest-running celebration of Día de los Muertos!

Spend the afternoon enjoying the incredible festival activities, which run until 6 pm. Explore the Education Pavilion with hands-on art activities and live artist demonstrations, discover unique retail from local vendors, check out a cool low-rider exhibition, and indulge in traditional foods while enjoying nonstop live performances!

Where: Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: October 25, 2025 | 12 pm – 6 pm
How Much: Free

Día de los Muertos at Waterloo Park

Image credit: Waterloo Greenway

For two days, Waterloo Greenway will transform the Moody Amphitheater into a stunning ofrenda, a community altar glowing with photos, flowers, and cherished mementos contributed by visitors.

The event will also feature vibrant performances of music and dance that capture the soul of the holiday, while an artisan marketplace showcases local creatives and their handcrafted treasures. Families can join in the fun with hands-on activities, from colorful crafts to festive face painting.

Where: Moody Amphitheater, Waterloo Park, 500 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: November 1, 2025 | 6 pm
How Much: Free

Día de los Muertos Festival and Parade at Centennial Plaza (Round Rock)

Image credit: Round Rock Ballet Folklorico

Hosted by Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, in partnership with the Williamson County Hispanic Heritage Committee, the City of Round Rock, and Univision, this annual tradition returns for its 12th year on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from noon to 9 p.m.

The day kicks off with a lively procession honoring ancestors, paying tribute to the ancient Mesoamerican roots of Día de los Muertos. Afterward, you can explore a festival filled with art, craft, and food vendors, offering everything from traditional treats to unique handmade goods.

Families and friends are encouraged to join in the fun with themed costumes, so don your best Calaca, Frida, Selena, or Prince-inspired look and take part in the vibrant celebration.

Where: Centennial Plaza, 301 W Bagdad Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664
When: November 1, 2025 | 12 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Free

Family & Hands-On Workshops — Día de los Muertos Austin

Día de los Huesos

Head to the Texas Science & Natural History Museum for Día de los Huesos, the “Day of the Bones.” This unique event blends science and culture in a playful, educational celebration that’s perfect for guests of all ages.

You and the kids can uncover the secrets of animal skeletons and skulls, color your own paper dinosaur skulls, and even make butterfly crafts to contribute to a special museum art installation. For those curious about nature’s tiniest wonders, microscopes will be available to explore the delicate details of butterfly wings.

Kids can also take part in a scavenger hunt, enjoy vibrant face painting on the back patio, and soak in a festive performance by Texas Folklórico at 2 p.m.

Where: Texas Science and Natural History Museum, 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712
When: November 2, 2025 | 1 pm – 5 pm
How Much: Free – $10

Día de los Muertos Celebrations at Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

Image credit: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

Expect vibrant Day of the Dead altars, interactive art installations, and hands-on activities at the Dia de los Muertos Celebrations at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. You can even contribute to the collective outdoor ofrenda, a growing altar adorned with photos and notes from the community.

Aside from that, the festivities include live performances from local Austin talent such as Gary Hobbs, Marca Especial, The Tiarras, Nova Band, and Danza Azteca Guadalupana.

You and the kids can also enjoy free face painting, sugar skull decorating workshops, and a MexAmeriCon showcase featuring artist panels, games, and pop culture inspired by Latino storytelling traditions.

Last but not least, there will be an artisan vendor market, piñata-inspired art installations by Las Piñatas/Latinos in Architecture, and a community resource fair supporting local nonprofits.

Where: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: November 1, 2025 | 2 pm – 6 pm
How Much: Free

Dia De Los Muertos Loteria Train

All aboard for one of the most unique Día de los Muertos Austin experiences, the Día de los Muertos Lotería Train!

Hosted in beautifully restored vintage lounge cars, the event celebrates this 3,000-year-old tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed with a joyful twist. Guests will enjoy five rounds of Lotería, Mexico’s beloved bingo-style game, with exciting prizes for every winner and a chance to score the grand prize, a $300 gift card toward any future train ride!

Between rounds, you can sip on classic margaritas available from the Cedar Park concession car and mingle with fellow riders as the train rolls through the evening. Don your best Calavera-inspired outfit for the costume contest in each car. There are prizes for those who bring the most festive flair!

Where: Austin Steam Train Association Museum, 401 E Whitestone Blvd C-100, Cedar Park, TX 78613
When: November 1, 2025 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: $50 – $65

Keep the festivities going all season long — discover more from our Austin guide for events, concerts, and local happenings.

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.