Higher Education

Some students and professors say recent changes and scandals chill speech at universities. Others argue that conservative opinions can now be shared more freely.

October is Texas Wine Month. Our reporter Mia Shephard attended Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association's "Grape Camp" last week, and has more about current issues facing the industry. It is also Free College Application Week, a statewide initiative to help Texans apply to public colleges and universities. Those seeking undergraduate admissions can apply through the ApplyTexas portal.

Last week, Texas Tech University's system chancellor Tedd Mitchell sent a memorandum on the universities' compliance with state and federal orders regarding discussions of sex and gender. Our Samantha Larned reached out to the chancellor’s office and has more. After identifying several rabid bats in the area, the City of Lubbock is reminding residents not to handle wildlife and what to do if you or a pet have a potential rabies exposure.

Lubbock Public Health is recommending precautions against mosquitos after confirming the county's first human case of West Nile Virus this year. The Texas Education Agency says it’s received more than 350 complaints against teachers and staff for comments made after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports some educators have already been fired. The Texas Tech University System’s board of regents are set to approve state senator Brandon Creighton as the next system chancellor in a meeting today. If approved, he will begin acting as chancellor on Nov. 17.

The group Dignity for District 2 has suspended its petition to recall Lubbock Councilman Gordon Harris. Students at colleges and universities have settled back into the school year and our Sean Ryan reports that enrollment has increased at all three of Lubbock’s largest higher education institutions. Starting this week, Lubbock ISD will be holding a series of town hall meetings in each of the board of trustees' voting districts to discuss potential changes. Community members are also encouraged to complete a survey to provide feedback to the district. Click here for a schedule of upcoming the meetings, their locations, and a link to the survey.

This semester, enrollment has increased at Lubbock’s three largest higher education institutions, Texas Tech University, Lubbock Christian University and South Plains College. West Texas A&M's enrollment also increased.

Professors are afraid to publicly speak out, system leaders left key questions unanswered and advocates worry for LGBTQ+ students’ mental health.

According to a TPR analysis, colleges in San Antonio lost nearly $10M because the U.S. Department of Education withheld grants to Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Gov. Greg Abbott called for a student to be expelled for celebrating Kirk’s death. Legal experts say the student’s speech is likely constitutionally protected.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reposted the video on X and demanded that the student be expelled.