The Daily Texan 2019-02-13 by The Daily Texan

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019

volume

119,

issue

NEWS

OPINION

LIFE&ARTS

SPORTS

Some Spanish and Portuguese classes are now half in-class and half online. PA G E 2

Students deserve a timely alert about campus incidents. PA G E 4

Common reasons to use Tinder illuminate changes in dating norms. PA G E 8

Longhorns fall short of an upset against the Big 12-leading Wildcats. PA G E 6

LEGACY

UNIVERSITY

UT’s pollution priorities

UT honors life, legacy of chemical engineer at memorial By Samagra Jain & Howard Yong

@samagraj @howard_yongg

Oil, gas extraction adds to pocketbooks, but hurts the environment.

gotten University Lands to agree to look more into pollution prevention. Since the campaign launched, he said Environment Texas has recruited over 170 faculty from across the System, and thousands of students have signed their petitions. Milliken said environmental protection on University Lands is important to the System. “University Lands is an asset that is unparalleled in the United States, and it’s one that we must preserve to advance the important missions of UT and A&M institutions for generations to come,” Milliken said in a statement. “In recent years, University Lands, along with the oil and gas industry as a whole, has implemented a number of initiatives, incentives and new technologies that have had a significant impact on reducing emissions — even as production has increased — and I’m confident that progress will continue to be made.” Since 2014, production from University Lands oil and gas extraction has increased by 21 percent while carbon emissions have decreased by 24 percent, said Mark Houser, University Lands CEO. Houser said he attributes this to practices by companies themselves, and not regulation from University Lands.

By Savana Dunning @savanaish

round 2.1 million acres of West Texas land are dedicated to raising money for the University of Texas System’s Permanent University Fund. A large chunk of this money is raised from leasing land to oil companies. Currently, environmentalists are asking Chancellor James Milliken to require these companies to limit their methane emissions. “While University Lands generate a lot of wealth, they also generate a lot of pollution,” said Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas, an organization focused on reducing pollution in Texas. University Lands estimates their 2018 methane emissions to be around 385,000 metric tons. While methane emissions only make up 10 percent of atmospheric pollution, it traps more heat than carbon dioxide, making it a more effective contributor to climate change. Environment Texas is asking the System to require leasing companies to cut emissions in half within five years. Metzger said they have

POLLUTION

STATE

Police groups hesitant to decriminalize marijuana keeping impairment in the bill and protecting the community,” Wilkison said. “Whether you’re texting, Police associations across drinking, having an altercaTexas say they are hesitant tion inside your vehicle or to support the decriminalizasmoking marijuana, any kind tion of marijuana proposed of impairment is the thing in pending state legislation. that causes serious death, inCurrently, possession of jury and property damage.” one ounce of Wilkison said marijuana or the measureless is a Class ment of mariB misdemeanjuana also poses or, resulting in Whether you’re problems for law up to 180 days enforcement unin jail and a texting, drinking, der decriminal$2,000 fine. Un- having an alterca- ization. der House Bill “The concern 63, filed by state tion inside your of course is that Rep. Joe Moody, vehicle or smok- there will be D-El Paso, pospeople trying session of this ing marijuana, to move plants amount would any kind of im- and claim they be a civil offense have less than an punishable by a pairment is the ounce,” Wilkison maximum fine thing that causes said. “There will of $250. In rebe all kinds of sponse, police serious death, in- things tried, but associations are jury and property three different voicing their containers of damage.” concerns for deone ounce is still criminalization. three ounces.” CHARLEY WILKISON C h a r l e y Sixty-nine EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Wilkison is percent of TexOF CLEAT the executive ans support redirector of the Combined ducing the penalty for smallLaw Enforcement Associscale marijuana possession ations of Texas. Wilkison to a citation and fine, accordsaid there needs to be proing to a poll conducted by visions written into the legthe Texas Politics Project in islation that clearly identify 2018. Last September, Gov. and prosecute impairment Greg Abbott also said he is if an individual is caught “open” to reducing penalties possessing marijuana. “The trickiest part is M A R I J U A N A page 3

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More than a hundred students and faculty gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of John J. McKetta Jr., the namesake of the University’s chemical engineering department, at a memorial held Saturday at the AT&T Conference Center. McKetta, who died on Jan. 15 at the age of 103, joined UT’s chemical engineering department as a professor in 1946 during a post-World War II period that created a vacuum for talented engineers in the workforce. During his 70-year affiliation with UT, he served as a professor, department chair, dean of engineering and executive vice chancellor for the UT system. McKetta was an internationally renowned authority on energy and industrial engineering, serving as an adviser to five U.S. presidents and editing a 68-volume engineering encyclopedia. At the memorial ceremony, former students and family members spoke of McKetta’s love for UT, referencing his burnt orange wardrobe and his unique Mercedes, which he had custom painted orange and white to reflect the University’s colors. McKetta was known for his desire to build relationships with students beyond the classroom. Speakers said McKetta held an annual student picnic at his lakeside home and regularly called students to wish them well on their birthdays. Nicholas Peppas, a chemical and biomedical engineering professor, worked closely with McKetta and said his expertise as an engineer and peer was exceptional. “For me and for all of us, he was a great researcher who had

MEMORIAL

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CAMPUS

Students plunge into philanthropy work

By Hayden Baggett @hansfirm

pedro luna | the daily texan staff From left, biochemistry junior Jarrett Hubbard, Jordan Robbins, Texas THON president and supply chain senior, and Javier Leija, physics senior, decided to take the polar plunge Tuesday as part of Texas THON’s “Week of Miracles.” The fundraiser, which aims to raise $24,000 in one week, is the first of its kind at UT. Robbins intends to change that by making it an annual event.

By Brenna Hinshaw @brenna_hinshaw

For some students, plunging into an icy pool is the perfect way to jumpstart fundraising efforts for a cause they believe in. Texas THON, a student organization that raises money for Dell Children’s Medical Center of

Central Texas, hosted the first Polar Plunge fundraiser at Gregory Gym’s outdoor pool on Tuesday. Participants donated $10 to jump in the pool while others could pay a $5 entry fee to watch. The event was part of Texas THON’s “Week of Miracles,” a weeklong campaign where the organization tries to reach a fundraising goal

of $24,000. “We do hope to make Polar Plunge an annual Texas THON event, something that will make students immediately think of us when they hear it,” said Jordan Robbins, Texas THON president and business senior. There were about 60 people signed up to jump into the pool at two different

times. The first jump took place at 6:30 p.m. and the second jump followed at 6:45 p.m., when the outside temperature was 59 degrees. “We are just looking for a way to get the UT community more involved with THON,” said Jarrett Hubbard, Texas THON’s

THON

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CLAIRE ALLBRIGHT NEWS EDITOR @THEDAILYTEXAN

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019

This issue of The Daily Texan is valued at $1.25

PERMANENT STAFF Editor-in-Chief Liza Anderson Managing Editor Forrest Milburn Assoc. Managing Editors Catherine Marfin, Andrea D’Mello Director of Digital Strategy Alexandria Dominguez Assoc. Editors Bella McWhorter, Emily Caldwell, Angelica Lopez Forum Editors Jennifer Liu News Editor Claire Allbright Assoc. News Editors Anna Lassmann, Sami Sparber

Video Editors Sarah Tang, Peyton Young Assoc. Video Editors Faith Castle, Bonny Chu Photo Editor Katie Bauer Assoc. Photo Editors Anthony Mireles, Carlos Garcia

Life&Arts Editors Tiana Woodard, Jordyn Zitman

Self-defense “kitty” keychains may look non-threatening but are illegal in Texas because they are considered knuckles, a hand-held weapon. In a state that allows open carry for guns and knives, one legislator is trying to legalize knuckles. According to the Texas Penal Code, carrying knuckles is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. House Bill 446, filed by state Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, would legalize knuckles and self-defense keychains. “(There are) young women who have these keychains, which are technically knuckles under the code, but these aren’t people who are in gangs, and they’re not out menacing people,” said Ellic Sahualla, Moody’s chief of staff. Texas has historically prohibited some weapons largely due to imaginary threats, Sahualla said. “There are weapons defenses in our penal code that have little to do with actual safety and are more to do with hyped up dangers that really are nonexistent,” Sahualla said. “We saw switchblades being outlawed after people saw gangster movies in decades past. It’s not really much of a real-world threat.” Sahualla said while the statute against knuckles is not frequently used, there have been a few cases of people

Sr. Life&Arts Writers John Melendez, Landry Allred, Trent Thompson

Beat Reporters Chase Karacostas, Tien Nguyen, Chad Lyle, Katie Balevic, Hannah Ortega, Savana Dunning, Rahi Dakwala, Mason Carroll, Nicole Stuessy, Jackson Barton, Emily Hernandez

Senior Sports Reporters Robert Larkin, Donnavan Smoot, Cameron Parker

Projects Designer Rena Li Copy Desk Chief Kirsten Handler Associate Copy Desk Chiefs Jason Lihuang, Brittany Miller, Jimena Pinzon, Haylee Reed Design Editor Mireya Rahman Associate Design Editor Renee Koite Senior Designers Christiana Peek, Kendall Jordan, Nila Selvaraj

Assoc. Sports Editors Steve Helwick, Keshav Prathivadi

Comics Editors Channing Miller, Bixie Mathieu Assoc. Comics Editor Lauren Ibanez Senior Comics Artists Alekka Hernandez, Andrew Choi Social Media Editor Ryan Steppe Assoc. Social Media Editor Tirza Ortiz Engagement Editor Megan Menchaca Newsletters EditorPeter Northfelt Sr. Digital Staffers Iris Bilich, Alexis Green Audio Editors JT Lindsey, Morgan Kuehler Audio Producers Sara Schleede, Eric Kiehnau Editorial Adviser Peter Chen

ISSUE STAFF Comic Artists Adria Thyman, Elaine McMurray Illustration Albert Lee, Diane Sun, Amber Perry, Audrey Williams Copy Editors Ryen Holda, Sruthi Rudrarajjala, Lauren Girgis Photographers George Wunch

By Katie Balevic @KatrlynBalevic

Sports Editor Ross Burkhart

Projects Reporters Maria Mendez, London Gibson, Lisa Nhan, Morgan O’Hanlon, Kayla Meyertons

House lawmaker proposes legalizing self-defense knuckles, kitty keychains used by many women

Senior Photographers Eddie Gaspar, Angela Wang. Joshua Guenther, Ryan Lam, Pedro Luna

News Desk Editors Gracie Awalt, Meghan Nguyen, Meara Isenberg, Hannah Daniel, Raga Justin

Projects Editor Ellie Breed

LEGISLATURE

L&A Reporters Kendall Tietz Designers Benjamin Tan, Areeba Amer News Reporters Ribby Cohen, Samagra Jain, Brenna Hinshaw, Howard Yong Sports Reporters Stephen Wagner

being prosecuted for having kitty keychains, which is likely not what the legislators intended when writing the law and not what police officers are concerned about. “Our police officers are not out there saying, ‘Oh, I had to brawl with a guy who had a kitty keychain,’” Sahualla said. “We’re in an environment where people are openly carrying guns, so these other things are the least of their concerns.” Mitch Landry, deputy executive director of governmental affairs for the Texas Municipal Police Association, said law enforcement is remaining neutral on HB 446. “I have friends that have (kitty keychains) and talk about them, but I’ve never heard of any of our officers having any issues with them,” Landry said. “The bottom line is we want good people to be able to protect themselves.” Landry said the Legislature has been reforming laws on weapons. Last session, the lawmakers legalized carrying knives over 5.5 inches long, including swords. “I can walk down the street with a sword, but you want to tell me that you

can’t walk around with your (keychain)?” Landry said. “It kind of makes me laugh.” Lt. Laura Davis said UTPD discusses defensive weapons like kitty keychains at the Rape Aggression Defense classes they host, but the RAD program does not teach people how to use self-defense weapons. Davis said the program focuses on teaching participants what to do if you do not have a weapon. Davis said people who want to use

diane sun

kitty keychains should know where to strike their attacker, be prepared to see blood and be ready for the impact the blow will have on your fist. “If somebody does attack you, it’s when you’re not expecting it,” Davis said. “The keychain sounds great … but if in the struggle, you lost your keychain, what would you do?”

RESEARCH

Food+City encourages personalization of food technology By Sara Johnson

(512) 471-4591

@skjohn1999

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Liza Anderson (512) 232-2212 editor@dailytexanonline.com

MANAGING EDITOR Forrest Milburn (512) 232-2217 managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com

NEWS OFFICE (512) 232-2207 news@dailytexanonline.com The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely. If we have made an error, let us know about it. Call (512) 232-2217 or e-mail managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com.

AUSTIN WEATHER TODAY Feb. 13

HI LO

67º 50º

TOMORROW Feb. 14

HI 74º LO 55º

“So if you discover the scene of the crime, that makes you the murderer, is that what you’re saying?”

| the daily texan staff

Food technology and the future of humanity are linked, especially in cities like Austin, said Robyn Metcalfe, UT Food Lab director and ecology lecturer. Metcalfe led a public presentation at the Austin Public Library on Tuesday. The presentation focused on the ways advances in food technology are changing the landscape of food in cities. “I want to suggest that we as consumers, as engineers and as entrepreneurs may not be prepared for the full impact of the intended and unintended consequences of technology in our future food system,” Metcalfe said. “We need to pay extra special attention to the trade-offs.” Some of the advances Metcalfe mentioned were a portable planter for growing food indoors and 3D printed pizza. The event was hosted by the Austin Forum on Technology and Society, a nonprofit that has been hosting public lectures

george wunch | the daily texan staff Dr. Robyn Metcalfe spoke to the Austin Forum on Technology and Society Tuesday evening. Her talk, which took place at Austin Central Library, focused on evolving technologies in the agricultural and food production industries.

since 2006. “You can think of it as like SXSW Interactive, where they have lots of different topics over the course of a few days,” director Jay Boisseau said. “We just do that, one topic every

month, and over the course of the year, we cover tons of different topics.” According to 2018 Forbes data, Austin is the eighth fastest-growing city in the U.S. Attendee Jenn Brown said food

technology is something that can make sure growing cities stay well-fed. “When you talk about getting to the source of the food, there are so many different ways that you can potentially do that as

an individual, as a startup,” Brown said. “If you can do it in places you don’t expect to do it, even better.” The Food Lab, founded in 2011, began as a space for brainstorming innovations in food production. Since then, it has grown into the UT partner organization Food+City, which hosts an annual startup competition and publishes a semiannual magazine. “We’re really interested in how cities are fed,” Metcalfe said. “It’s about the movement of food — specifically, about food systems. So many people — really, the students — were really interested in doing something about the future food system, and we started encouraging entrepreneurs to gather and come up with ideas.” While Metcalfe admits the future of food technology is not perfectly defined, she said the future of food systems will be designed around not just the apps and algorithms, but the humans who use them. “We can design our own food future,” Metcalfe said. “It will be personalized.”

CAMPUS

Hybrid language classes introduce new structure, offer online learning time By Libby Cohen @libbycohen211

This semester, the Spanish and Portuguese Department rolled out more hybrid courses, which counts three credit hours online and three credit hours in the classroom. The department is among a few others that have introduced a half inclass, half online structure in the past two years. Most recently, the Spanish department changed 610D, the second of three classes that make up the language proficiency sequence, into a hybrid class for the more than 350 students enrolled in the course. Melissa Murphy, the language program director for the department, said the change is partly due to an increase in University focus on timely graduation rates and high demand for classroom space. She said the structure aligns with the department’s goal of student independence. “There are students who want more contact hours with their instructor, but we want our students to be able to figure things out on their own,” Murphy said. “The hybrid structure matches with the flipped class structure that we already have.” Murphy said in many

John J. McKetta Jr., the namesake of the University’s chemical engineering department, died on Jan. 15.

albert lee

| the daily texan staff

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cases, the hybrid courses have produced better grades than traditional courses when first introduced to students four semesters ago. The department piloted the hybrid structure with students in the final class of the sequence. However, Spanish course lecturer Sarah Whitehead said teachers and students are generally reluctant to accept the new structure at the beginning of the semester. “From both students and instructors, I have heard a combination of nervousness and frustration at the very beginning that seems to be sorting itself out now that we’re a couple of weeks into the semester,” Whitehead said. Government junior Taylor Henderson said she is losing valuable

interaction because of the technological replacements. “The professors in this department actually want us to learn and are happy when we learn, so in my opinion, they don’t get to spend enough time with us,” Henderson said. Whitehead said she acknowledges the benefits of the increasing trend of technology in the classroom, but she said the faceto-face contact in all UT classrooms is still essential. “Valuable learning and social exchanges happen in our classrooms,” Whitehead said. “While the online portions of our hybrid courses are something I have a lot of faith in, the magic that happens in the classroom is something that emerges out of people being together learning things with the facilitation of an instructor.”

a monumental impact on the field, and he was a great administrator on both a personal level and a national scale,” Peppas said. “He put our school on the map. If you told somebody that you studied engineering under Johnny, they would know that you were good.” McKetta’s memorial ceremony was a bittersweet event, chemical engineering sophomore Michael Guo. “There were definitely tears, but it was cool to see how many people Dr. McKetta had a direct impact on,” Guo said. “I was amazed when so many of his former students shared their stories about how he connected with them on a personal level. I feel like all professors should have this kind of passion for extending their relationships with their students.” Steve Swinnea, a current

chemical engineering professor and former student of McKetta’s, described him as a demanding but caring teacher who would lock the door promptly at the bell and regularly held Saturday lectures. “At the start of every semester, he would say ‘We won’t have a final if I lose 15 pounds this semester,’” Swinnea said. “I don’t believe that ever happened.” McKetta was a highly regarded teacher, and several of his former students mentioned his ability to get them to think creatively and become passionate about learning. In 2013, McKetta was voted one of the “Texas 10” most inspiring professors in a survey conducted by the Texas Exes. “Johnny was somebody that people naturally liked because he had a very open character. He always wanted to make friends,” Peppas said. “He is most famous for his students — all his life, it was his students first.”

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019

CAMPUS

Syllabus fosters ‘Radical Hope’ By Tien Nguyen @tienjpg

audrey williams

| the daily texan staff

University of Texas scholars are offering a new solution to addressing environmental crises: hope. The Radical Hope syllabus, formatted similar to a college syllabus, is an online collection of resources for those interested in ecological issues and sustainability. The syllabus is the product of the two-day “Radical Hope” conference held in Germany in July 2017 by the The Rachel Carson Center and UT. The conference brought scholars from around the world to exchange ideas about the role of hope in addressing environmental issues. With the help of history graduate student Alina Scott, Erika Bsumek, project creator and history professor, developed the Radical Hope syllabus website to open the discussions and conversations that occurred at the conference to the public. Each of the presenters contributed to a section of the syllabus and included a description of their work, a list of resources and their definition of “Radical Hope.” The idea of “Radical Hope” comes from the title of a book written by Jonathan Lear from the University of Chicago, Bsumek said. “Lear defines ‘Radical Hope’ in a very specific way — how do you maintain hope in the face of extreme desperation, which is essential for human survival?” Bsumek said. “We took the core idea as it applies to environmental issues and used it as an expansive term people could define in their own way.” Scott said “Radical Hope” is a conscious effort to be informed about the environment. “‘Radical Hope’ is not a gleeful

dismissal or ignorance of the gravity of our climate situation, but rather, it’s a heightened awareness of those things and a willingness to believe that it can be different,” Scott said. Architecture professor Allan Shearer is also a contributor to the project. His section of the syllabus focuses on environmental security. Shearer defines “Radical Hope” as a future that offers people more choices. “The world today can feel overwhelming,” Shearer said. “Climate change, political discord and economic disruption can make a person, community or society overwhelmed and even imperiled. If you don’t provide options to improve the condition, you instill a sense of paralysis.” The syllabus provides voices and viewpoints to overcome this overwhelming uncertainty, Shearer said. Next spring, a new course based on the syllabus will be offered through the UT Global Classrooms program. Bsumek and John Barry, a professor from Queen’s University Belfast, will meet with students in a virtual classroom to work on collaborative projects related to environmental history and contemporary environmental issues. Bsumek said the Radical Hope syllabus is a living project, and anyone interested in adding a section can contribute to the syllabus. “Sometimes in academia we tend to have insular conversations with other researchers,” Bsumek said. “A project like this has a way to open up what we are talking about to people around the world. The syllabus is constantly growing, and our hope is that people will contact us and we will be able to put their expertise up on a certain unit in the syllabus.”

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e t e continues from page 1 e e efor the possession of small amounts of marijuana. d Wilkison said another lproblem with decriminalization is the public continuing to push for larger amounts of marijuana, but he said law enforcement personnel often trust the governor when it comes to criminal issues. “If Greg Abbott will sign it, I’m sure it will get to the place to where any reasonable person will support it,” Wilkison said. “There’s a lot of time between now and the end of session, so we’re not going to come out and oppose the bill until we know where others are on the issue.”

marijuana

James McLaughlin, general counsel for the Texas Police Chiefs Association, said he does not support the legislation because it would not consider impairment when someone is found possessing marijuana. “We have a finite number for alcohol — 0.08. That’s the standard we use,” McLaughlin said. “There is no standard for marijuana.” McLaughlin said his lack of support also stems from his experience with most minor marijuana cases, which he said do not result in arrest in the first place. Undeclared freshman Norman Wang said he opposes HB 63 because it will present other challenges to

| the daily texan staff

law enforcement. “Marijuana decriminalization encourages illegal drug deals, which might raise safety concerns,” Wang said in an email. “Law enforcement agencies have to spend more effort and risk themselves in order to crack down certain crimes.” Wang said his opposition also draws from marijuana’s effects on students. “Students who smoke marijuana may face financial problems, a drop in academic performance and a decline in health conditions, or even commit crimes under the influence,” Wang said. “Those who don’t (smoke) may have to suffer the odor of the smoke all around campus.”

Houser said University Lands regularly monitors activity on their property, which includes any excessive pollution and has provisions in their leases for companies to “minimize emissions.” However, since the lands are owned by the state, setting standards on emission regulation is left up to government bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency. “The U.S. is leading the world in reducing oil and gas emissions and in developing further technologies to maintain that momentum,” Houser said in a statement. “Many of the companies who operate on (Permanent University Fund) Lands are the companies leading the U.S. effort. University Lands continues to demonstrate its commitment to the issue through allocation of both staff and significant capital to support projects that reduce emissions.” Houser also said University Lands recently joined a coalition called the Environmental Partnership, dedicated to reducing emissions. While Houser said it’s not in the best interest for University Lands to start heavily requiring emission cuts, Metzger said University Lands and the UT System still have the capability to do more without harming their profits. “UT is really in a prime position to help lead the way on this issue, so we recognize there’s political constraints based on the revenue that’s generated by University Lands, but we don’t think that has to be impacted by taking these steps,” Metzger said.

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director of fundraising and biochemistry junior. “It allows people to take a literal jump into their fundraising.” E.J. Patterson, Texas THON’s faculty advisor and a staff member with Rec Sports, was the first to propose the idea for the Polar Plunge. “(Patterson) had proposed a joint Texas THON-Rec Sports event, a natural fit since Texas THON is sponsored by Rec Sports,” Robbins said. English junior Poonum Mehta is one of the Texas THON Miracle Makers, the participants who fundraise and participate in the 12-hour event later this spring. She works to collect donations year-round and hit a personal fundraising goal of at least $150 to benefit Dell Children’s Medical Center. “I wanted to jump because I’ve always heard of polar plunges, and they always go toward good causes,” Mehta said. “It’s great that THON is adding this to their fundraising efforts.” Robbins said Polar Plunge helps Miracle Makers within Texas THON catch the attention of potential donors within their network. “(Miracle Makers) posting pictures or videos on social media of themselves jumping will help display their dedication for the kids and raise awareness for the cause they hold dear to their hearts, which in turn sparks more donations,” Robbins said.

LIZA ANDERSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @TEXANOPINION

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

We deserve better When UT doesn’t release information about on-campus incidents in a timely manner, students panic. By Liza Anderson Editor-in-chief

t 11:15 Monday night, UTPD responded to a disturbance at the Union. According to UTPD, a non-UT affiliated man yelled threats within the communal space. UTPD pursued him to the 24th block of Guadalupe, where he was arrested. He was unarmed. If you asked a UT student what was happening last night, the answer would have been very different. Distorted descriptions of the event circulated quickly through the UT community. I got a text from a friend: “Did y’all hear anything about an armed robbery in the Union rn? Like right now, right now?” One of our reporters reached out to UTPD for a comment, but they didn’t respond right away. Meanwhile, screenshots of group chat messages filtered into The Daily Texan’s staff chat, painting a disturbing scene. “There’s an armed robbery going on in the Union rn holy shit.” “Her roommate saw a guy with a gun and yelling near the Union.” “They’re all in a locked room hiding.” “Apparently the dude left the Union and is on his way to West Campus.” Some of the messages came from people who claimed to have witnessed the event. “I just ran away from a gunman who was exiting the UT Union, aiming his handgun at people as I was walking by.” “Every person in the room bolted.” No word at this point from UTPD. One parent tweeted at UTPD: “My daughter just informed me of a shooting at/near UT! What’s happening?” At 11:55 p.m., I received an email from UTPD through their campuswide safety alert system. The scene was clear, the suspect had been arrested — and he was unarmed. Some students received the email sooner than others, but the earliest

LEGALESE | Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan are those of the editor, the Editorial Board or the writer of the article. They are not necessarily those of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees.

time I’ve found is 11:44pm. For 30 minutes, students panicked. Their parents panicked. This is not acceptable. Thirty minutes of confusion and fear, with no word from anyone who could tell us if it was warranted.

Know this is not a normal university. Understand this place has a history students can’t ignore when feeling fear on campus.” We’ve been here before. In May 2017, Harrison Brown and three other students were stabbed in broad daylight on Speedway. Police were on the scene immediately, and the suspect was arrested within two minutes. It took them almost an hour to send an alert. I was in a lecture class when the stabbing happened. A student interrupted the professor’s lecture and said, “I think there’s a shooting on Speedway.” I remember what happened next very clearly. The professor looked at his phone, said he hadn’t gotten anything from the University and kept teaching while a student veteran blockaded the doors. It took UTPD almost an hour to send us a text. In that time, rumors about mass violence flew through UT’s social media world. When things like this happen, our minds always go to the worst case scenario — on this campus, can you blame us? UTPD has long since tried to make

up for this mistake. They’ve owned up to it. Earlier this year, representatives from UTPD sat down with The Daily Texan to explain why this wouldn’t happen again. But at 8:46 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2018, UTPD tweeted that they were “responding to woman stabbed at 27th and Whitis. Avoid the area. Suspect at large, described as shorter white male. Updates to follow.” That was it. Campus panicked again. And UTPD apologized again. They said it wasn’t actually a stabbing, and in an attempt to send information as quickly as possible, they had used the wrong word. UTPD faced a lot of criticism for what happened in September, and once again they tried to improve their system. UTPD works hard to keep this campus safe, and they do an excellent job. But their track record for keeping students informed is poor. We need a better system for informing students when incidents take place on or around campus. Know this is not a normal university. Understand this place has a history students can’t ignore when feeling fear on campus. Some students on this campus can still remember how Haruka Weiser’s corpse smelled. Some students watched Harrison Brown bleed to death outside the gym. Half of the students here today have memories of violence on this campus, and the rest of them have heard the stories enough to understand our fear. Call it mass hysteria if you want, but UT students respond differently to threats of violence on campus — even when they are only threats. On another campus, maybe you can afford to take your time getting your facts straight and coordinating a response. But not here. UTPD did not respond to a request for comment before this piece went to print. Anderson is a Plan II and history junior from Houston. She is the editor-in-chief.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019

FOOD

Gluten-free goods abound in Austin Students with dietary needs navigate Austin’s abundant food scene. By Kendall Tietz @TietzKendall

ustin’s diverse food scene is one of the many trademarks that attract students to UT. However, restrictions such as celiac disease can complicate everything from eating on campus to finding the perfect taco. There are countless reasons why people abide by dietary restrictions. Whether it’s because of an intolerance or simply just a preference, Austin offers a variety of foods in its robust restaurant scene for the gluten-free eater as well as those with other allergies and dietary restrictions. Trouble can arise, however, when cross-contamination occurs and options are limited. Kirtana Jasti, a history and government junior, was diagnosed with celiac disease during her sophomore year of high school. The autoimmune disorder requires adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. “I’ve lived in Houston and San Antonio,” Jasti said. “I will say Austin probably has the best in Employees have to change their (gluten-free) restaurants.” gloves and clean off preparation She said Austin restaurants do surfaces to ensure her food is a good job of asking her if eating safe to eat. gluten-free is due to an allergy or Thai Fresh is a local Thai preference. According to Jasti, restaurant that houses a gluin other cities, restaurants often-free bakery. Jam Sanichat ten assume the latter. Jasti said is the owner of Thai Fresh and even the slightest amount of Gati, a vegan ice cream truck. cross-contamination can evoke Sanichat is allergic to wheat, painful symptoms. so Thai Fresh bakery initial“Cross-contamination for me ly began phasing flour out of really sucks,” Jasti said. their recipes before becoming Texas Student willprecautions keep you completely connected Jasti Media must take gluten-free to avoid ensure food has notsports come and cross-contamination. with dailytolinks toherthe news, culture in contact with gluten through“We even marked items that stories shaping the UT community. might have trace of gluten, like out the preparation process.

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the fryer,” Sanichat said. “We provide a place where most diet restrictions can be met, and our staff is knowledgeable both in the cuisine and special diet.” Sanichat said when they opened, gluten-free food was much harder to come by. They label their menu items, which she said people really appreciate. “All the bakers we have hired were motivated to make gluten-free and vegan items,” Sanichat said. Students are already limited by the food options available on campus, but gluten allergies

complicate the matter further, Jasti said. Chick-fil-A is one of the few places on campus where she can eat, so when she is off-campus, she opts for alternative options to avoid growing bored with her typical options. “College students just have it a little bit different because you live in more of a bubble where you are limited to your food options based on what is here,” Jasti said. One alternative for students such as Jasti is Picnik, a gluten-, corn-, peanut- and soy-free restaurant founded in 2013 by

| the daily texan staff

Naomi Seifter, who struggled with food allergies, digestive issues and chronic fatigue. When Picnik first opened, Seifter said there was little accessibility to gluten-free cuisine in the restaurant industry. As celiac disease and other food intolerances become more well-known, cities will continue to develop dedicated resources and restaurants to ensure those with restrictions still have options. “Where there is consumer demand, there will be businesses to accommodate,” Seifter said.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019

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Longhorns’ upset bid falls short

anthony mireles | the daily texan staff Guard Kerwin Roach II attempts to pass around a Kansas State defender during the Longhorns’ 71-64 loss Tuesday. Roach led the way for Texas with 17 points and eight rebounds in 36 minutes of action.

Hopeful Texas squad falls short of overcoming streaking Wildcats. By Robert Larkin @r_larkintexas

erwin Roach II felt the shot attempts were good. The dribble-drive kick outs to the open man, the open 3-point shots outside the arc, the runners into the lane. They just didn’t execute. It’s a story that has felt familiar for Texas at multiple points this season. Late game situations, and not enough big-time plays in the closing minutes. With three wins in their last four games, there was a feeling that the Longhorns had ditched it.

But Texas couldn’t collect the points it needed in the second half against Kansas State, failing to score a point in the game’s final two minutes. That inability to close proved to be the difference Tuesday night, as the Longhorns fell to the Wildcats, 71-64. “They definitely made us a shooting team, but we just didn’t knock down our shots,” Roach said. “Especially for myself, I didn’t make a three. We can knock down shots, we just didn’t today.” Texas’ game plan was apparent from the start: pound the ball inside. The Longhorn guards attacked the rim with aggression and made sure to work the ball to forwards Jericho Sims, Dylan Osetkowski and center Jaxson Hayes down low. As a result, the Longhorns scored 24 of their 39 first half points inside the paint and scored seven more points at the free throw line. That allowed Texas to take a 39-35 lead into the half. “I thought our guys came out tonight really focused on doing what we needed

to do on the offensive end to attack,” head coach Shaka Smart said. But it was Kansas State’s switch to a zone defense that stifled the Longhorn offense in the second half — something it had done one other time this season. And it worked against a Texas offense that struggled to shoot the ball from outside. Unable to move the ball into the paint, Kansas State quickly went on a 9-0 run that allowed the Wildcats to regain control of the game. And while the Longhorns were able to finally decipher Kansas State’s defense, the Wildcats’ duo of Barry Brown, Jr. and Xavier Sneed sparked them into a rhythm on offense. The duo combined for 32 points and 13 boards and pushed Kansas State to hold onto the lead for the final 15 minutes of the game. “I thought Xavier really rebounded,” Kansas State head coach Bruce Weber said. “Barry made a nice pull up in both halves. We said, ‘Just read what they give you,’ and I thought we did a great job

with that.” Kansas State did what the Longhorns couldn’t. When the Wildcats needed an offensive rebound to kill time off the clock, they found one. When they needed to convert free throws late, they did. The Longhorns will now be forced to regroup once more. This loss, however, will sting for the Texas players. They felt a win against the Big 12 leader was in their grasps. Smart even told his players in the first half that they were the better team. “Coming off of two good games and knowing we played well, we just didn’t do enough,” guard Matt Coleman III said. “Didn’t get one more stop, one more possession for ourselves. Today was a detail game, and they capitalized off our missed details.” With Oklahoma State, a team they lost to previously this season, coming to Austin on Saturday, the Longhorns will have no time to dwell on it. The message remains to move onto the next opponent.

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Texas continues push toward March with road win By Stephen Wagner @stephenwag22

The NCAA’s reveal of the top 16 seeds is always one of the most anticipated events of February. With three-fourths of the season nearly completed and the postseason picture shaping up, the eyes of Top 25 teams and coaching staffs all turn to the polls. But Texas, despite being ranked No. 15 in both the coaches and AP polls, could not find its name anywhere among the top 16 seeds. Instead, No. 20 Miami and No. 18 Iowa State jumped Texas and Syracuse to fill out the bottom two spots of the top 16. For the Longhorns, Tuesday night’s road matchup against Oklahoma State was just another reason to play with a chip on their shoulder. “We’re at the point now where a win is a premium (in the Big 12),” Texas head coach Karen Aston said. Earning her sixth consecutive 20-win season at Texas, Aston has learned to win games in a variety of ways. This season has been no exception, as Aston has referenced the season as a “rollercoaster” multiple times. In Tuesday night’s 61-55 win in Stillwater, it was more of the same. “It was one of those grind-itout kind of games,” Aston said. “They were really physical with us … but we were patient. But their physicality bothered us tonight.” The tale of the first half was defense, on both sides. After a

joshua guenther | the daily texan file Point guard Sug Sutton drives past a Baylor defender during the Longhorns’ 74-68 loss on Feb. 4, 2019. Sutton added 17 points to Texas’ win over Oklahoma State on Tuesday.

battle of first quarter scoring, the offenses finally got on track in the second. Texas rebounded from an eye-shutting 28-percent first quarter shooting exhibit by shooting an even 50 percent in the second. With a modest score of 25-23 in favor of Texas at the half, both teams shot under 40 percent from the floor, and Texas turned the ball over 11 times. “It’s been our pattern sometimes. We tend to get kind of discombobulated in the first half, can’t quite figure out how someone is attacking us,” Aston said. “We have turnovers, we go to halftime, we adjust, and then we don’t turn it over

as much (in the second half). But the first half turnovers are getting us right now.” Texas finished the game with 17 turnovers. Point guard Sug Sutton, who has been the status quo this season, led Texas at the halftime break with eight points and four rebounds. “I love games like this,” Sutton said. “I like digging deep, fighting for games. Everybody’s competitive in (the Big 12), so every game is going to be like this, and I love them.” After a back-and-forth third quarter which saw the Cowgirls briefly take the lead, the fourth quarter was a signature final period for Texas:

nail-biting frustration. Unable to ever lead by more than eight in the game, Texas couldn’t pull away for long in the fourth. Between a handful of untimely missed shots and a won’t-quit drive, Oklahoma State managed to cut the lead down to one possession with 36 seconds remaining. But free throws from Sutton and guard Joyner Holmes would ultimately seal the victory for Texas. The Longhorns return to Austin on Sunday, where they will look to avenge their only conference road loss to Kansas State.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Crossword ACROSS

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TIANA WOODARD & JORDYN ZITMAN LIFE & ARTS EDITORS @THEDAILYTEXAN

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019

STUDENT

Tinder alters dating scene Apps make hookups easy, but weeding out potential relationships more difficult. By Lauryn Allred @12ndr

ow do you detect a partner desiring only a one-night stand from one desiring a long-term relationship? Tinder. For the past seven years, the infamous dating app, Tinder, has brought users entertainment, heartbreak and love. However, the app has transformed the way people view dating and helps users discern which romantic partners to pursue and avoid. Communication professor Anita Vangelisti said that 20 years ago, meeting and evaluating a potential romantic partner was still largely based on convenience. However, initiating the actual date was based more on intention. “That moment of ‘I want to spend one-on-one time with this person’ had to be more intentional because the individual who was initiating had to do the initiation,” Vangelisti said. “With technology, you still have to do the initiation, but you’re a step away from the person.” On a global scale, Tinder has altered the way people think about initiating and maintaining relationships, Vangelisti said. Now, Tinder brings awareness to the fact that people have goals of either pursuing a long-term relationship or a one-night stand.

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“There’s always been people out there who want to have one-night stands. It’s just easier for them to do it (now),” Vangelisti said. “For some people, that’s dreadful, but the good part is that it’s much more explicit now than it used to be.” This explicitness is just one

| the daily texan staff

advantage for Tinder users. Vangelisti said it’s quicker, includes less time and emotional investment, provides more dating alternatives and gives the appearance of more control. Convenience also serves as an advantage, as government sophomore Zoe Kimura said she

met her now-boyfriend within a few hours of downloading Tinder. “All the time (we talk about), ‘Would we have spoken to each other if we didn’t have Tinder?’” Kimura said. “I don’t think we would necessarily be in a relationship the way we are if I didn’t have that availability to just swipe on him and interact.” While Kimura successfully achieved her goals through Tinder, the app still has some disadvantages for its users. Vangelisti said with more dating alternatives comes a stronger possibility of running into dishonest people. Additionally, associate communication professor Rene Dailey said the expectations for the relationship’s longevity are probably different now. “People are more open to hookups, short-term relationships or friends-with-benefits types of relationships,” Dailey said. “We don’t have data to compare, (but) we would find those things more prevalent now, and technology has helped with that.” Journalism junior Maya Vela said she’s experienced this hookup culture surrounding Tinder, which helped her recognize her actual relationship goals. “(I’ve felt) emotionally hurt, because I realized, ‘What am I doing?’” Vela said. “I realized that I needed somebody to get to know me, because I have certain needs in that department. Now, I just want to foster a relationship.” Despite whether or not Tinder helps or harms dating culture, Dailey said a few studies concluded relationships still require investment to maintain a relationship. “Technology makes it easier for us to meet and chat with new people,” Dailey said. “But it still takes just as much effort to build an intimate relationship, regardless of how you initiated the relationship.”

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