Texas

Paxton, Cornyn and Cruz prod U.S. Supreme Court to end affirmative action in college admissions

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2022

Paxton, Cornyn and Cruz prod U.S. Supreme Court to end affirmative action in college admissions

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Texas looms massive within the background of two pivotal affirmative motion circumstances earlier than the U.S. Supreme Court docket that would change how race is taken into account in American larger training admissions.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court docket heard back-to-back oral arguments in challenges to the race-conscious admission processes utilized by Harvard College and the College of North Carolina. The courtroom’s conservative majority appeared to lean towards ending affirmative motion, whereas the three liberal justices defended the follow. A choice isn’t anticipated till June.

Each circumstances are introduced by College students for Honest Admissions, a nonprofit led by Edward Blum, who performed a key function in a yearslong authorized problem to the College of Texas at Austin’s admissions coverage. Blum recruited Abigail Fisher to be the plaintiff in that 2008 problem after UT-Austin rejected the white undergraduate applicant. The nation’s highest courtroom in 2016 narrowly upheld UT-Austin’s proper to present a slight increase to Black and Hispanic candidates, however the courtroom has turn into way more conservative since that 4-3 ruling.

Within the lead-up to Monday’s listening to, the Harvard and UNC circumstances acquired over 90 amicus briefs, in response to SCOTUSblog. A lot of them cited the earlier UT-Austin case — and a few got here from Texas politicians, students and affirmative motion advocates.

Texas Lawyer Basic Ken Paxton filed an amicus transient final yr arguing that Harvard’s admission course of is discriminating towards Asian People and that the nation’s high courtroom ought to overturn Grutter v. Bollinger, a 2003 landmark ruling that upheld faculties’ capacity to narrowly tailor race-conscious admission and diversify the scholar inhabitants for academic advantages. He additionally joined a quick that claims UNC’s practices are unfeasible “with out illegal racial discrimination.”

“The College of Texas was unsuitable. And the College of North Carolina and Harvard, respondents right here, unsuitable Asian People by denying them an equal admissions course of,” Paxton wrote in a newer mixed transient.

College students for Honest Admissions argues that Harvard’s admission course of artificially depresses the variety of Asian American college students who’re accepted. For UNC, the difficulty is extra broadly about whether or not its mannequin has violated the Fourteenth Modification, which requires equal safety underneath the legal guidelines.

Notably, Paxton’s touch upon UT stands in distinction to Gov. Greg Abbott, who supported the establishment when he was the state’s legal professional common. “Those that drafted and ratified the Fourteenth Modification didn’t set up the precept of ‘colorblind’ authorities that opponents of race-conscious admissions too typically invoke,” Abbott wrote in a quick to the Fifth Circuit Court docket of Appeals in 2011.

Thirty-three of the amicus briefs assist College students for Honest Admissions, whereas 60 again Harvard and UNC.

Over 80 U.S. senators and representatives — together with 9 Texas Republicans, corresponding to U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn — signed on to a quick filed in Might 2022 that additionally challenged Grutter. It claims that the ruling stands towards the Fourteenth Modification and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits race-based discrimination.

Jonathan Mitchell, a former solicitor common of Texas who is healthier referred to as the authorized architect of the state’s ban on abortions after about six weeks of being pregnant, made an analogous argument on behalf of America First Authorized, a right-wing group led by former President Donald Trump’s coverage adviser Stephen Miller.

“[Title VI] prohibits all types of racial discrimination at universities that settle for federal funds, with no exceptions for ‘compelling pursuits,’ ‘variety,’ or ‘strict scrutiny,’” Mitchell wrote.

However many extra Texans have publicly defended affirmative motion through amicus briefs.

Amongst politicians, three Texas Democrats — U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro, Sylvia Garcia and Marc Veasey — signed on to an August 2022 transient with over 60 different Congress members that requires the Supreme Court docket to reaffirm Grutter.

“Title VI, like [Brown v. Board of Education], has traditionally been used to dismantle segregation and improve academic alternatives for all People. It stays a significant instrument to advertise desegregation and academic fairness and is completely according to Grutter,” learn the transient.

An evaluation of years of Texas’ high 10% coverage — by which public universities routinely admit the highest 10% of scholars of their highschool’s class with out contemplating race — additionally reveals that it didn’t preserve and foster illustration, the transient notes.

As well as, just like briefs filed by Asian American teams, it harassed that Asians are usually not a cultural monolith and that many Asian ethnic teams nonetheless profit from affirmative motion. As an example, whereas 75% of Indian People within the U.S. have a university diploma, the speed falls to 32% for Vietnamese People and 17% for Laotian People. Pew Analysis Heart additionally present in 2018 that Asians are the “most economically divided group within the U.S.”

This criticism towards the mannequin minority fable — which perpetuates the concept of Asians being a profitable and deserving minority and is used typically as a “racial wedge” towards Black People — can also be backed by over 1,200 social scientists, together with near 50 based mostly at Texas universities.

“The notion that race-conscious admissions insurance policies discriminate towards Asian People depends on and perpetuates dangerous stereotypes towards Asian People,” learn the transient from the Asian American Authorized Protection and Training Fund, which represents over 120 organizations and people together with OCA Better Houston.

“Opponents of race-conscious insurance policies have lengthy relied on this racist stereotype of Asian People to argue that different communities of shade ‘merely must work tougher to realize social and financial mobility.’”

Disclosure: College of Texas at Austin has been a monetary supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan information group that’s funded partly by donations from members, foundations and company sponsors. Monetary supporters play no function within the Tribune’s journalism. Discover a full listing of them right here.

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Texas

I’ve traveled all over Texas. This small town in the Hill Country captivated me the most.

Published

1 hour ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

I’ve traveled all over Texas. This small town in the Hill Country captivated me the most.

I arrived at the San Antonio International Airport and stepped outside to meet my ride. The dry, hot air gave me an instant flashback to my days intermittently working in the West Texas oilfield. I’ve seen quite a bit of the Lone Star State and couldn’t wait to get to Fredericksburg. I’d heard so much about this cute historical German town in the Texas Hill Country.

After an hour’s drive, the shuttle driver and my host said, “We’re on Wine Road 290.” The county has over 75 wineries, vineyards, and wine-tasting rooms. I thought, “What a perfect getaway for Texans and travelers flying into the area.”

A unique stay in a whimsical hideaway

Blue Sage No. 12

I wasn’t surprised to see the rolling hills as we drove toward the property I was staying at outside town. But I was astonished at how green this part of Texas was, especially since I was visiting at the end of the summer. I learned that Fredericksburg is home to the largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms, and seeing the fields of flowers is a popular activity during the spring. People come from all over to admire the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and red poppies.

We pulled up to Blue Sage, where I was staying, and I was instantly excited to check in to my accommodations — No. 12. The dark blue treehouse-inspired cottages looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. As I toured the inside of mine, I was awed by the warm and inviting boho decor. The loft room, with a giant soak tub overlooking the woods, was grounding, and I knew I had found a comfy weekday retreat.

After resting and freshening up from the long travel day, I met with friends to enjoy cocktails at Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen in Fredericksburg’s historic district. We sipped and savored a handcrafted cocktail and a few small bites in their relaxing lounge area before heading to Hill & Vine for dinner. Known for their Southern staples, trying Texas wine and their black-eyed pea hummus was delicious.

Hike at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock on a blue sky day / Ashlee hiking the Summit Trail

In 2023, over 300,000 people visited Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s a popular place for hiking, camping, and bird-watching – many migratory birds fly through.

The iconic rock feature is one billion years old, and you can hike to the top of the pink granite dome along the Summit Trail. The climb is steep, but the views of Hill Country are worth the trek.

Planning tip: Be sure to make reservations to visit the park. October through May are the busiest times of the year to explore, and parking is limited.

After hiking, we drove back into town for lunch at Hill Country Herb Garden. Their menu is curated with wellness in mind and rotates seasonally. I had a beautiful kale and quinoa salad with steak, just what my body needed after the morning’s hike. After lunch, we toured the herb gardens, gift shop, and spa — they make custom scents. There are even 14 quaint little cottages on the property you can book for lodging.

Learn about Fredericksburg’s German heritage

Outside of the Vereins Kirche Museum / Lunch at the Hill Country Herb Garden

Germans immigrated to the area in the mid-1800s after being enticed by promises of a new life. It wasn’t just Germans; Danish and Swiss settlers also made their way to Fredericksburg. You can learn more about the town’s history at the Vereins Kirche Museum and the Pioneer Museum.

You can do a self-guided tour of a historic homestead at the Pioneer Museum and see inside the buildings, including a traditional Sunday house. A Sunday house is where families that lived out of town and worked on farms and ranches would stay on the weekends so they could attend church.

After an exciting day of hiking and tours, we ended the evening with an Italian-inspired dinner at Alla Campagna. The savory Heritage Chicken Risotto and a Texas white wine were the perfect way to end the day. I couldn’t resist topping the day off with a few bites of homemade chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio gelato.

A morning of local retail therapy

Row of cowboy boots at Allens Boots / Breakfast at the Keidel Pharmacy

The following day, we drove into town and had breakfast at Keidel Pharmacy inside the new Albert Hotel (the largest hotel on the main street, opening in January 2025). I was pleased to start the day with a piece of gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake and an almond milk London Fog latte.

Afterward, I spent a few hours window shopping and checking out all the cute local stores, such as Carol Hicks Bolton, Blackchalk Home + Laundry, Allens Boots, and Flying Cow Tallow.

For lunch, we grabbed a glass of rosé and a quick salad at Standard Public House before heading to the vineyards for wine tasting.

Discover Fredericksburg’s wine scene

Wine tasting at Meierstone Vineyards / Airis’Ele Vineyards — Meierstone Vineyards / Airis’Ele Vineyards

While traveling, there is something glamorous and fun about visiting local wineries, hearing stories from the owners, and tasting wine. Our first stop was Meierstone Vineyards. Krystal Patel’s family has been making 100% Texas wine for seven generations, starting in the 1840s. I loved the white wine flight, and their 2023 Trebbiano was my favorite.

Next, we visited Airis’Ele Vineyards. Their team has over 40 years of experience in the wine business. I found their wine-tasting room welcoming, with big windows for Summer Tanager bird-watching. Their sweet Bienvenue was refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Don’t miss this family-run farmstand

Last, we headed to Das Peach Haus farmstand, which has been in business for over 50 years. The Fischer & Wieser family business sells local wines made from 100% Texas grapes, fruit jams, jellies, sauces, and other delectable artisanal goods.

Deanna Fischer, the Chief Experience Officer, shared that the company’s goal is to “Create flavorful experiences that make people happy.”

You can sample many of the farmstand’s specialty foods to select your favorites before purchasing. I appreciated that each jar provides examples of how to pair it with your next happy hour hors d’œuvre or cozy dinner at home. You can also take one of their cooking classes or have a hand-crafted cocktail at Dietz Distillery, which is next door.

It’s nice to see places like this still preserving family, food, and faith in the community.

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Texas

Where is Texas vs. Arizona? Peach Bowl game location info, details, CFP schedule

Published

9 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

Where is Texas vs. Arizona? Peach Bowl game location info, details, CFP schedule

Texas football is preparing to face the champion of its old conference in the College Football Playoff, with Big 12 champion Arizona State awaiting in the Peach Bowl.

Texas was tested in the first round, defeating Clemson 34-24 behind a rejuvenated running attack led by Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner. However, the Sun Devils, winners of six straight games, also have a fierce rushing attack led by running back Cam Skattebo, who has run for 1,568 yards rushing and 22 total touchdowns.

BUY TICKETS FOR TEXAS VS. ARIZONA STATE HERE

The Peach Bowl is held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta the same site of Texas’ loss to Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game. The winner will advance to the Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State or Big Ten champion Oregon will await. Ohio State advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Tennessee at home, 42-17.

Here’s everything to know about the upcoming game:

Where is Texas vs Arizona State?

Texas will travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to face Arizona State. It is also the location of the national championship game.

CFP Bowl locations

Peach Bowl

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Matchup: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Arizona State

Fiesta Bowl

Location: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Matchup: No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State

Sugar Bowl

Location: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Matchup: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame

Rose Bowl

Location: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Matchup: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon

Texas vs. Arizona State tickets

Tickets for Texas’ game against Arizona State are available here.

CFP schedule

Playoff quarterfinals

All times in CT

Tuesday, Dec. 31

Fiesta Bowl, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 1

Peach Bowl, noon

Rose Bowl, 4 p.m.

Sugar Bowl, 7:45 p.m.

Playoff semifinals

All times in CT

Thursday, Jan. 9

Orange Bowl, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10

Cotton Bowl, 6:30 p.m.

Playoff Championship

Monday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. CT

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Texas

Texas Longhorns vs. Arizona State Sun Devils College Football Playoff Preview

Published

17 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Press Room

Texas Longhorns vs. Arizona State Sun Devils College Football Playoff Preview

The Texas Longhorns are three games away from a national championship, and for the quarterfinal matchup against Arizona State, the Horns will travel to a familiar field.

Texas will take on the Sun Devils at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the same venue that hosted the SEC Championship loss to Georgia.

The new opponents have a similar story to Texas: a conference newcomer that dominated the veterans.

Arizona State joined Texas’ former conference, the Big 12, and had a breakthrough season. The Sun Devils defeated Iowa State in the conference championship to take the trophy home in their maiden season.

The Sun Devils are led by redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Michigan State. Leavitt has recorded 192 completions in 304 passing attempts for 24 touchdowns.

The defense is also led by a transfer player out of New Mexico State. Junior defensive back Myles Rowser has recorded 88 tackles and one sack.

Arizona State only dropped two games this season, both in conference play at Cincinnati and Texas Tech. The season record and championship clinch earned the Sun Devils the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff, awarding them with a bye week in the first round.

Texas, on the other hand, fell to Georgia in the championship game and dropped to the fifth seed, while the Bulldogs earned the second. But that wasn’t enough to stop the Longhorns from advancing.

The Horns had no issues defeating ACC champion Clemson in the first round at home.

Texas and Arizona State will face each other on New Year’s Day for a spot in the semifinals.

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