Megan Menchaca
Austin American-Statesman
Austin, TX, United States
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Past articles by Megan:
These are the Texas House, Senate higher education priority bills to watch this session
Texas state lawmakers have proposed changes to community college funding, bans on DEI and tenure, and expanding an endowment for certain universities. → Read More
The Texas Legislature is in session until May 29. Here's how to make your voice heard.
During the Texas legislative session, members of the public can testify or meet with state lawmakers to share their thoughts on bills. → Read More
Texas Senate bill proposes ban on future tenure at public higher education institutions
Senate Bill 18 proposes a ban on tenure, but it would not apply to faculty who are employed by public universities and have tenure before Sept. 1. → Read More
Texas State to launch program for students with intellectual, developmental disabilities
The Bobcat RISE program will help young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities transition to independent living and employment. → Read More
Texas A&M System cuts diversity, equity, inclusion considerations in hiring, admissions
The move comes about a week after the University of Texas System paused new DEI policies at all of its campuses. → Read More
How diverse are students, employees at Austin-area colleges and universities?
The majority of students at nearly all Austin-area universities with data available are students of color. But that's not the case for faculty, staff. → Read More
Majority of Texas House members show initial support for transgender college athlete ban
The bill, which is pending official approval, would ban transgender college athletes from competing with others who match their gender identity. → Read More
Viral TikTok claims UT System professors can be jailed for saying 'racism.' That's false.
The TikTok said professors within the UT System could be sent to jail for saying the word "racism." A UT System spokesperson said that's "bogus." → Read More
K-12 schools, universities in Austin adapting to viral AI chatbot ChatGPT
ChatGPT, which launched in November, is an artificial intelligence chatbot that can generate conversational, original responses to various questions. → Read More
UT approves Texas Cowboys, Pi Kappa Phi for provisional return to campus
UT is providing the organizations — which were suspended in 2019 — with a “road map” back to campus as part of a new program. → Read More
Austin City Council takes steps toward filling gaps in affordable housing for college students
Austin's interim city manager will work with Austin colleges to develop more affordable student housing and establish city housing goals. → Read More
Mike Pence to visit University of Texas to discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine
Former Vice President Mike Pence is visiting the Clements Center for National Security to discuss the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. → Read More
University of Texas System to halt new diversity, equity and inclusion policies on campuses
The announcement comes amid growing criticism from GOP state lawmakers about diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in Texas higher education. → Read More
Red McCombs, namesake of University of Texas business school, dies at 95
Red McCombs gave $50 million to UT’s business school in 1999 and the UT System Board of Regents renamed the school in McCombs’ honor. → Read More
UT official delays 'The Eyes of Texas' vote, citing 'misleading' student government tweet
UT’s dean of students said the vote will be rescheduled after UT’s Student Government Assembly's Twitter account sent a "misleading" tweet. → Read More
How Austin's colleges, universities are fighting food insecurity on campuses
The Central Texas Food Bank awarded $50,000 through the College Food Access Grant to four Austin higher education institutions to advance food equity. → Read More
Black lawmakers outraged at Gov. Abbott's call for state agencies to end DEI hiring
The Texas NAACP is calling for major sports organizations to stop championship games in Texas if Gov. Abbott’s office does not reverse his letter. → Read More
Professor critical of equity efforts accuses UT in lawsuit of violating free speech rights
Richard Lowery alleges that his public criticism prompted retaliation from UT officials, according to a lawsuit filed in federal district court. → Read More
ACC, UT Health Austin open Amplify Center, state's first young adult mental health clinic
The Amplify Center aims to provide free mental services to at least 200 ACC students at the college's Eastview Campus this year. → Read More
Senate Finance Committee discusses higher education funding. Here’s what you need to know.
Senators questioned university leaders on several topics, including DEI in hiring and the Hazlewood Legacy Program, which gives free tuition to vets. → Read More