The Facebook message derided its recipient as a “leftist” and “whore” whom he hoped would be deported. The message gained widespread attention when it was shared online.
Jessica Priest
Jessica Priest covers higher education, working in partnership with Open Campus. She joined the Tribune in 2022 as an engagement reporter in the ProPublica/Texas Tribune joint investigative unit, contributing to a series that was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist in the explanatory reporting category. Prior to the Tribune, Jessica worked for the Fort Worth Report, USA Today, the Victoria Advocate and the Temple Daily Telegram, reporting on topics that included criminal justice, the environment and local government. Her work has often made an impact. The state’s highest criminal court granted a death row inmate a new trial after she detailed a prosecutor’s conflicts of interest. After she exposed questionable hirings and payments at a port and later a water district in another part of the state, both public entities underwent reforms. Jessica was born in Houston and graduated from Sam Houston State University.
Posted in
Higher Education
Fired after gender identity lesson, professor sues Texas A&M, arguing her free speech rights were violated
Melissa McCoul, arguing she was fired to appease political critics, is seeking to get her job back and other restitution.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas Tech struggles with new rules that changed what students learn about race, gender, sexuality
The system’s chancellor said he meant to instill clarity and accountability, but three weeks into the spring semester, some instructors say the standards are vague and have led to censorship.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M eliminates women’s and gender studies degree program
University leaders also said six courses were canceled and 48 exceptions were granted under new rules on race and gender.
Posted in
State Government
Gov. Abbott orders Texas universities, agencies to halt H-1B visa petitions
The governor said public universities and state agencies may not seek new visas without Texas Workforce Commission permission through the end of the 2027 legislative session.
Posted in
State Government
Texas winter storm updates: Power grid holds up through its tightest condition on Monday, Gov. Abbott says
ERCOT officials expected to see power demand close in on power supply by Monday 8 a.m., but the grid held “flawlessly,” Abbott said.
Posted in
State Government
Ken Paxton: Comptroller can exclude schools from voucher program under anti-terror laws
A CAIR official blasted the Texas AG’s opinion, saying the law does not permit the comptroller to scrutinize Muslim schools because of their religious identity.
Posted in
Higher Education
Federal judge upholds West Texas A&M drag show ban, short-circuiting student group’s appeal
A final ruling in the case prompted a federal appeals court to cancel oral arguments, set for Friday, on an earlier ruling. Another appeal is expected.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M abruptly cancels ethics course over race, gender policy
The university said content of the graduate course, which was already underway, was not adequately disclosed, forcing the cancellation. The professor disagrees.
Posted in
Higher Education
University of North Texas to offer free tuition for some incoming freshmen
The program will cover tuition and fees for new freshmen from Texas families earning up to $100,000.