Politics
Ban on DEI in public universities gets approval from Texas Senate
Posted on · The proposal follows a trend seen in other states with Republican-led Legislatures, like Florida.
Category: Civil Rights
Literature
‘Little Banned Library’ featuring books removed from schools opening in Houston’s Heights neighborhood
Posted on · A variation of the popular Little Free Library concept, the forthcoming installation in the Heights was designed to resemble a prison cell and feature books that have been banned by public schools in Texas.
Civil Rights
Texas House passes CROWN Act, which would ban hairstyle discrimination
Posted on · The bill seeks to ban discrimination based on certain hairstyles — like braids, dreadlocks and twists — in schools, workplaces and housing.
Education News
Cy-Fair ISD middle school teacher on leave after allegedly making racially insensitive comments to Black student
Posted on · The mother of an eighth-grade student at Houston's Kahla Middle School, along with local civil rights activists, are calling for the accused teacher to be fired.
Town Square
Transgender Icon Kate Bornstein on Her Career and Personal Journey
Posted on · The author, actor and activist shares details of her multifaceted work and how she embraced her identity.
Civil Rights
White supremacy propaganda & activity at an all-time high in Texas, U.S., ADL reports
Posted on · A new report shows that white supremacy propaganda distribution and events increased by 38% in the U.S., and 61% in Texas in 2022.
Energy & Environment
Environmental activists protest in Houston during 2023 CERAWeek energy conference
Posted on · Across the street from the Hilton Americas Hotel, protesters played percussion and brass instruments as they voiced their energy-related concerns.
Local
Descendants of freed slaves file lawsuit against Texas City, state, for demolishing last part of historic high school
Posted on · The group said it was not given a warning about the demolition or even an opportunity to argue their case to keep it.
Local
Fort Bend County to invest in new African-American memorial park to honor one of first freedmen’s towns in Texas
Posted on · Part of Bates Allen Park will be redeveloped, including the preservation of two historic black cemeteries and a memorial to honor Fort Bend County’s sometimes-forgotten African-American History.
Politics
Texas lawmakers are going after gender-affirming care. Will they succeed?
Posted on · Bills range from prohibiting insurance companies from covering gender-affirming care to revoking the license of a doctor who performs a gender-affirming surgery on a minor.
Town Square
Analyzing the Current Issues & State Bills Targeting the Transgender Community. Plus, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia on her Goals for the new Legislative Session
Posted on · Discussing efforts to support trans rights amidst recent legislation and opposition to the community.
Protests
Conroe brewery receives flood of threats, harassment after canceling Kyle Rittenhouse event
Posted on · The CEO of Southern Star Brewery said the cancellation was prompted primarily by concerns from local patrons rather than pressure from a “woke mob” or distributors such as H-E-B.
Police
Former Texas DPS trooper Lee Ray Boykin found guilty of using authority to sexually assault women, prosecutors say
Posted on · A jury determined that Boykin deprived two women of their rights when, while on duty as a law enforcement officer in August 2020, he coerced them to perform oral sex in a parking lot in Houston.
Events
MLK Day 2023: Houston has two parades, other events throughout region
Posted on · The Houston area is hosting several events Saturday, Sunday and Monday in honor of late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Education
Katy school students come together as censorship of LGBTQ+ voices ramps up
Posted on · In October, students at Katy ISD pushed school officials to lift filters blocking websites with LGBTQ+ resources in some of its high schools. We’re keeping up with those students as they navigate a school year fraught with book bans and other censorship.