Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University started its first day of school on Monday, announcing a record-breaking enrollment of over 45,000 students. Our Charley Maranville reports that the number of first-year students has increased by more than 39% since 2024. A federal judge has once again struck down a Texas law aimed at restricting drag performances. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez says U.S. District Judge David Hittner found the law so broad and vague that it violates the First Amendment.

The Texas Tech University Veterinary School of Medicine welcomed its inaugural class on August 18, 2021. Now, five years later, the school’s first wave of veterinarians are already working to fill a shortage in Texas’ rural animal care.

After 20 years as AT&T Stadium and nearly 80 years bearing the name of former university president Clifford Jones, Texas Tech Athletics has announced that the Red Raiders will now play from “Galaxy Stadium.” The 15-year naming rights deal between Texas Tech and data center developer Galaxy is just the latest in a push from university leadership to join in on high-tech research, large-scale data, and AI.

The American Association of University Professors and its Texas affiliate are suing the Texas Tech University System, claiming new curriculum policies amount to unconstitutional censorship. The Texas Newsroom's Lucio Vasquez reports the lawsuit asks a federal judge to block the policies. Despite a ban on sports betting in the state, "prediction market platforms" allow Texans to place money on event outcomes. The Texas Medical Association wants policymakers to restrict platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi to people 21 years and older.

Faculty groups say the Texas Tech University System's new curriculum policies are unconstitutional and unlawfully restrict classroom instruction on race, gender identity and sexual orientation. But university leaders have called the changes "common sense."

Students and faculty held a mock-funeral outside of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents meeting on May 7 to protest recent action from system administration regarding the course content review process and systematic “phase out” of programs centered on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Experts worry graduate students will learn too late about university’s ban on research work related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Texas Tech University officials announced yesterday an investigation is underway after a “cybersecurity incident” related to the system's online learning platform. The university says affected data may include some personal information and those affected will be contacted directly. The Museum at Texas Tech University is calling on the community to contribute to an upcoming exhibit commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Our Samantha Larned reports the museum will be accepting contributions on May 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. and May 16 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Texas Tech University’s quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, is taking an indefinite leave of absence to get treatment for gambling addiction, a growing concern within the NCAA. Our Charley Maranville reports the Texas Water Development Board is accepting public comments on the draft of the 2027 State Water Plan. You can find more information and read the draft here and submit comments until May 29 here.

The Honor Council recommended a written reprimand for “celebratory” comments. The lawsuit argued that would violate her free speech rights.