Serving The University of Texas at Austin Community Since 1900 @thedailytexan | thedailytexan.com NEWS Electrical and Computational Engineering department announces their first female chair.
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Tuesday, September 3, 2019
OPINION Forum contributors urge freshmen to prioritize their mental health.
SPORTS Texas’ dire running back situation worsens with the loss of Whittington
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LIFE&ARTS Midsommar director’s cut gives a second look at psychological horror.
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UNIVERSITY
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FOOTBALL
Texas cruises in opener
University announces new free speech policy on campus By Lauren Grobe @grobe_lauren
Starting Sunday, the University will change how it enforces free speech in most on-campus outdoor public spaces in accordance with a new state law. In an email sent to the student body Friday afternoon, UT President Gregory Fenves said Senate Bill 18 will make common outdoor areas on campus available to the general public to use for free speech and expression. “Our campus is a hub for people to gather and share different perspectives and experiences,” Fenves said in the email. “This freedom is a constitutional right that has always been the foundation upon which students learn and faculty members teach and conduct research.” University spokesman J.B. Bird said the University’s outdoor spaces were previously limited public forums. Only members of the UT community and invited guests could use outdoor spaces for what the UT FAQ webpage on public forum called “expressive activities,” such as protests and assemblies. Under SB 18, Bird said these spaces are considered traditional public forums and will be open to all. “Free speech is essential for the University to carry out its mission, and that has always been the case,” Bird said. “We have always been proponents of free speech.” According to the bill, the University may still restrict the times its outdoor spaces are available to the public and the types of actions the public can perform. Bird said the University can also still restrict actions which may affect
Volume 121, Issue 15
joshua guenther
/ the daily texan file
Sophomore running back Keaontay Ingram extends past the goal line during Texas’ 45-14 victory against Louisiana Tech on Saturday. Texas’ win marks the first 1-0 start of Tom Herman’s tenure at Texas.
After season-opening defeats in his first two years at Texas, Tom Herman is finally 1–0 with a 45–15 victory over Louisiana Tech. By Daniela Perez @danielap3rez
he Longhorns started their season 1–0 after a landslide 45-14 victory over Louisiana Tech, marking Tom Herman’s first season-opener win at Texas. Though Texas’ blowout is an indicator of its offensive capabilities, the Longhorns feel there is still work to be done before their matchup against LSU in Week Two. “I thought we played really well at times,” junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger said. “Obviously there were some stops, but that was because we
stopped ourselves. (There were some) missed assignments, but I thought overall we played tough, we played physical, our receivers went and got the ball (and) did well on the perimeter. Overall, we did a good job.” Texas struck early in the first quarter with a touchdown only two minutes and twenty seconds into the game. Quick drives gave Texas an edge over Louisiana Tech throughout the game with five of seven scoring drives lasting under three minutes long. “I thought we started really, really fast, and that’s what helped us overcome some of those miscues,” head coach Tom Herman said. Texas’ wide receivers contributed
heavily to the Longhorns’ quick drives. Seniors Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson both played their usual part in Texas’ offensive machine. Duvernay scored Texas’ first touchdown, finishing with nine catches for 55 yards, while Johnson had four catches for 59 yards, a touchdown and a highlight reel one-footed catch. Yet wide receiver Brennan Eagles was the clear standout. The sophomore was coming off of the operating table two weeks ago due to arthroscopic elbow surgery when he scored his first career touchdown on a 28-yard completion Saturday night. He followed it up with another touchdown after a deep pass from Ehlinger F O O T B A L L PAGE 2
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UNIVERISTY
Shooting in Odessa, Midland affects UTPB
Dorm prices increase due to mainteance, labor costs
By Victoria May @toricmay
A gunman killed seven and injured 22 in multiple locations spanning Odessa and Midland, making this Texas’ second mass shooting in August. The Aug. 31 shooting began when the gunman opened fire during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 20, a connecting highway between Midland and Odessa. While the situation was still active, many places in the two towns were held on lockdown, including The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. “The Permian Basin communities of Midland and Odessa are our communities,” UT System chancellor James Milliken said in a statement. “We share their heartbreak and shock, and we will stand by them in this time of recovery and healing. The victims and their families are on our minds and in
our heavy hearts. We offer gratitude to law enforcement and all first responders who put their lives at risk to save lives.” On the night of the shooting, UTPB sent a tweet offering counseling services to students directly or indirectly affected by the traumatic events. The University also mandated check-ins with resident assistants for on-campus residents and hosted check-ins for off-campus residents. “It’s remarkable that everyone at UTPB was able to preserve their sense of community during such a traumatic time,” UT-Austin nursing sophomore Alayna Flolid said. “It’s every student’s worst nightmare to get an emergency alert from the University saying that they’re going into lockdown because of an active shooter. No one should have to feel this unsafe while they’re trying to get an education.” Following the shooting, UTPB announced via
By Hannah Ortega @_hannahortega_
anthony mireles
/ the daily texan staff
After the mass shooting spanning Odessa and Midland, Gov. Greg. Abbott ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff until Friday. At least seven people were killed and 22 were injured when a gunman fired at motorists and pedestrians Saturday. Twitter there would be “a community healing ceremony” on campus for both students and community members to attend. At the meeting, which garnered more than 2,000 attendees, the mayors of Odessa
and Midland and a number of community pastors spoke during the service. UT Police Department Chief David Carter said four UTPD officers traveled to Odessa over Labor Day weekend to support the
local police departments. “We feel sick for the families in Midland and Odessa,” said Beto O’Rourke, former congressman and current presidential S H O O T I N G PAGE 2
Dorm prices increased by hundreds of dollars this year to help cover the costs of renovation projects, maintenance needs and other expenses. This year, students have to pay $11,791 for a shared space with a community bath in various dorms. Last year, students paid $11,250. The price for a shared space with a connecting or private bath rose from $11,966 to $12,555. The greatest price increase is for a single room in Duren Residence Hall, which increased by more than $1,000, from $18,617 to $19,659 this year. Dorm prices typically rise by about 3% each year, said Justin Jaskowiak, director for apartments, occupancy and conferences at University Housing and Dining. “The price increase from year to year covers a number of things,” Jaskowiak said. “Sometimes it’s covering our expanded programs and services. For example, this year we switched to an unlimited meal plan and extended dining hours. It also helps us with continued DORM
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