TUESDAY November 12, 2024 VOLUME 114 ISSUE 14 www.UniversityStar.com
Demonstrators spark counter-protest of hundreds at TXST By Lucciana Choueiry, Blake Leschber and Marisa Nuñez Trigger Warning: This story contains references to offensive language.
Texas State student holds sign reading “There is still love in the world,” to counter protest demonstration Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at the Stallions statue. MEG BOLES | The University Star
Two demonstrators with provocative signs drew a counter-protest of hundreds of students at the Stallions. The demonstrators arrived before 12:20 p.m. and quickly had a crowd of at least 100 students surrounding them in opposition. The two demonstrators were with the Official Street Preachers, a news outlet that covers
events “from a Christian perspective.” There were two signs the demonstrators held – one said “Homo sex is sin” the other said “Women are property” on the front and “Types of Property: Women, Slaves, Animals, Cars, Land etc.” on the back. According to Sandy Pantlik, vice president for marketing and communications, because Texas State is public property, the demonstrators had a right to be there even though they weren’t students, faculty or staff.
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Main Point: How The Star covered November 6 By Editorial Board The University Star editorial board does not condone the demonstrators’ message on Nov. 6. At around 12:20, our managing editor saw the beginning of the demonstration. Hundreds of students surrounded the Stallions, angry at the message the two men portrayed. As a result, The University Star talked to Texas State officials to
figure out what happened to inform our audience; a story that amassed nearly 40,000 views on our website. While some readers complained that we covered the demonstrators message at all, we wanted to share an inside look at our newsroom and the
decisions behind our approach to covering this story, helping you better understand our process. The Society of Professional Journalist’s (SPJ) Code of Ethics has four principles. The University Star uses these ethics as a framework for our coverage, including the demonstration on Nov. 6.
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KATLIN MARTINEZ | The University Star
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H O M M E JARELL CARR | The University Star
Retired faculty and staff reflect on Texas State legacy By Jamie Moore Life and Arts Contributor As Texas State celebrates its 125th anniversary, the Retired Faculty & Staff Homecoming Reunion offers faculty, students and alumni a moment to reflect on the university’s legacy and what makes Texas State special. The Retired Faculty & Staff Homecoming Reunion is 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 13. This year’s Homecoming holds added sentiment for the community, inviting reflection on the university’s 125 year anniversary and its evolution over time. According to its website, the Texas State Retired
Faculty and Staff Association (RFSA) hosts events year-round to strengthen ties between retirees and the university. This year’s reunion will include Gold Star Society student members and Texas State’s President Kelly Damphousse, creating opportunities for connection. “[Texas State’s 125th anniversary] is just a tribute to the appeal that the university has had and the impact that has had,” Bob Gratz, RFSA president, said. “We, as retired faculty and staff, have known a lot of students over the years that we spent at Texas State... we know what impact Texas State has had on people.”
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‘Roots of Texas State’: service project gives back to education By Carlene Ottah Life and Arts Editor Students, staff and faculty have the opportunity to reconnect with Texas State’s origins by helping education across Hays County with a new weeklong service project. This year’s Homecoming Service Project is a school supply drive. Student organizations, university departments and individuals are encouraged to donate new or gently used supplies. Donations will
go to The Teacher Reuse, a local nonprofit that makes available classroom supplies and materials for teachers at no cost, Nov. 23. Jason Garcia, coordinator for Community Service and Volunteer Programs, said Leadership and Service wanted to create a hands-on service with more impact, compared to the one-day service projects held throughout Homecoming week.
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Bobcats play for bowl eligibility Homecoming weekend By Daven Meredith Sports Reporter The stage is set for Homecoming in San Marcos, in a week of reminiscing of history and tradition for Texas State and its alums. Texas State football looks to create new history by playing against Southern Miss for a shot at bowl eligibility for the second year in a row. The Bobcats come off a 38-17 win over Louisiana-Monroe last week, snapping a two-game losing streak just in time for Homecoming weekend. The Golden Eagles are currently on a sevengame losing streak after falling to the Marshall Thundering Herd 37-3, finding themselves at the bottom of the Sun Belt with a 1-8 record. Golden Eagles interim head coach Reed Stringer spoke after the loss to Marshall saying their record doesn’t tell the whole story. “I am going to do everything I can do to hold this team together and get these guys to continue to play hard and hopefully get them to start playing better,” Stringer said. “I don’t see major gaps and voids. I know it’s hard to say that when we’re a one and eight football team, but there are some good players in this program.”
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