The Daily Texan 2021-06-15

DT VOLUME 121, ISSUE 2 TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

allow longhorn band to break tradition. no no one one should should be be required required to to play play ‘the ‘the eyes eyes of of texas.’ texas.’ destiny alexander

/ the daily texan staff

Inside: Two suspects arrested after downtown Austin shooting left 13 injured and one deceased.

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18-year-old Hailey Hernandez secures a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team after finishing second at Team Trials.

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ISSUE STAFF

UT offers hybrid-style freshman orientation

By Kaushiki Roy @Kaushikiroy3

After a year of virtual meetings, UT hosted its first hybrid freshman orientation of the summer last week.

While there is a completely virtual option available for students, UT is also offering a partly virtual and in-person alternative for anyone wanting to experience their orientation on campus.

Orientation adviser Kaylee Loggins said she had 27 in-person students for her group during the first session and 35 for this week’s session.

“Because my own orientation was virtual this past summer, I am very grateful for this opportunity and to welcome new students in person,” said Loggins, a speech, language and hearing sciences sophomore.

Kyle St. Nicholas, assistant director of New Student Services, said that the first day of orientation will be primarily in person. Students will receive the chance to attend small group meetings, social activities and campus tours. Days two and three will include college meetings, registration and academic advising, which will be virtual.

“Students attending hybrid orientation will spend one night in the on-campus residence hall,” St. Nicholas said.

To cover the room and meal fees, students will be charged $60 more than if they opted for the 100% virtual option, St. Nicholas said. Virtual orientation costs $175.

The University is encouraging students to wear masks and is offering free PCT testing during the orientation dates, St. Nicholas said.

If a student tests positive during the

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Instead of separating the Longhorn Band, UT must stop playing ‘The Eyes of Texas’ altogether.

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UT hosted its first week of hybrid freshman orientation last week. Orientation adviser Kaylee Loggins was “grateful for (the) opportunity to welcome new students in person.”

orientation, the school has prepared self-isolation rooms. Students will also be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before checking out on day two, St. Nicholas said.

Campbell Reese Williams, a government and Plan II freshman, said she decided to attend orientation virtually to avoid the drive to Austin and the extra cost, but still enjoyed her experience.

“Going through the Canvas modules and videos is a lot of helpful information, and I will appreciate having it all accessible to me later if I need it,” Williams said. “Getting to meet my peers within my college is also very exciting.”

Marketing freshman Ilina Arya, an international student, said she attended her orientation online from New Delhi, India. Arya said she felt that her orientation advisers did a good job helping her get situated with her classes online.

“At first, I was a little bummed out that I had to attend it virtually, but it turned out to be so much more fun than I thought,” Arya said.

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Editor-In-Chief | @TEXANOPINION TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

OPINION

EDITORIAL

allow allow longhorn longhorn band band to to break break tradition tradition Separating the Longhorn Band is a step backward in a long history of the University ignoring Black student demands.

By The Editorial Board @texanopinion

n his March email entitled “Reflections on the Eyes of Texas History Committee’s Report,” UT President Jay Hartzell declared “no one is or will be required to sing ‘The Eyes of Texas.’”

But what about those who are required to play it?

For the last year, debate surrounding the use of “The Eyes of Texas” as UT’s school song has been unrelenting. Black student athletes, band members and those in the general student body have called for its removal amid uncompromising pushback from donors and a lack of support from administration. Last fall, many Longhorn Band members refused to play the school song, citing its racist history as inexcusable and disunifying. In response, the University took a counterproductive approach to reckoning with its racist past: requiring the Longhorn Band to play “The Eyes of Texas” and creating a separate, unnamed band not required to play the song. This new band is set to be officially formed in fall 2022.

By separating the Longhorn Band over an issue as indisputably bigoted as “The Eyes of Texas,” the University proves once again that it adheres to donors and tradition over the will of its student body — especially that of its Black 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.

students. All students deserve to feel comfortable joining the official, longstanding Longhorn Band: an undivided band that shouldn’t play the racist song at all.

University spokesperson J.B. Bird said in an email that this new plan is all about offering options to reflect student input, not about requiring students to participate in one option or another. But creating two bands allows the University to avoid confronting issues with “The Eyes of Texas” and gives students the illusion of choice while appeasing its donors. Students have already made their choice, over and over again, and UT has refused to listen. Creating a separate band doesn’t help students; it forces band members to make compromises between their passion and their morals. The separation condones our racist history by mainstreaming it into the official, established band and othering those most affected.

Judson Hayden, LHBlacks president, founding member and communication and leadership senior, said that it was a rash decision that has misdirected conversation. “(This decision) has provided me with a clarity as to how the University thinks LHB operates. LHB isn’t the problem; wanting to be in LHB isn’t the problem,” Hayden said.

“There has been a lot of this rhetoric over this past year: ‘Oh, if you hate it so much, then just leave,’ … and it’s like, no, we don’t hate being in the band. We don’t hate this University. In fact, we love this University so much that we

SUBMIT A FIRING LINE | Email your Firing Lines to editor@dailytexanonline.com. Letters must be more than 100 and fewer than 300 words. The Texan reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, clarity and liability.

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want to make it better for incoming Black students.”

“The Eyes of Texas” joins a repertoire of “traditional university selections” that the Longhorn Band will be required to play. The idea of tradition has become a cornerstone of the pro-school song argument and has been used as an excuse to justify the song’s continuity. Tradition isn’t necessarily evil, but it becomes harmful when weaponized against already marginalized communities. Emails from donors threatening to pull funding and the University’s lacking response shows whose interests have been prioritized. In this case, tradition favors a primarily wealthy, white population whose attachment to the song outweighs their empathy.

Stop using tradition as a means to disregard the voices of the Black student community. It’s not a valid justification for forcing the official band to play a historically racist song, putting both band members and listeners in an uncomfortable position.

Student activists in the Longhorn Band and the greater student community have worked tirelessly over the last year to expose the racist history and sentiment behind “The Eyes of Texas.” It shouldn’t be their burden any longer, and it shouldn’t have fallen this way in the first place. Though Bird said the separation plan RECYCLE | Please recycle this copy of The Daily Texan. Place the paper in one of the recycling bins on campus or back in the burnt-orange newsstand where you found it.

/ the daily texan staff

was developed with student input, there has been little transparency on what this process looked like and whether Black students were prioritized. Instead of claiming that “changes expand options,” divert the energy and time needed to plan this to investing in actual inclusion efforts, such as making the band more accessible and welcoming to underrepresented students.

No university band should play a divisive and racist song. The constant debate behind what should be a clear-cut issue detracts from the true opportunities the Longhorn Band presents to students.

“Longhorn Band is so much more than ‘The Eyes of Texas,’ and for us to be reduced to that one song is so demeaning,” Hayden said. “It’s a small aspect of what we do as an organization.

And if we can use all of the tension, anger and frustration over the past year to do something good, we would be remiss if we didn’t.”

The editorial board is composed of associate editors Maria Sailale, Megan Tran and editor-in-chief Sanika Nayak.

Editor’s Note: The headline has been changed from “It’s Time for Longhorn Band to Break Tradition” to “Allow Longhorn Band to Break Tradition” to more accurately represent the story.

EDITORIAL TWITTER | Follow The Daily Texan Editorial Board on Twitter (@TexanOpinion) and receive updates on our latest editorials and columns.

NEWS

HANNAH WILLIFORD

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News Editor | @THEDAILYTEXAN TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

CITY

Mass shooting in downtown Austin 12 injured, 1 deceased, 1 in critical condition

By Sheryl Lawrence @sheryl_adelle

Content warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of gun violence and death. ne person died and 13 people were injured after a mass shooting on 6th Street around 1:30 Saturday morning.

The Austin Police Department has taken two suspects, one of whom is a juvenile, into custody. The identity of the juvenile and the charges they face have not been released. The other suspect, a 17-year-old, will be charged and tried as an adult for aggravated assault, according to an APD news release.

APD is still considering which additional charges both individuals may face, which could include murder, attempted murder or aggravated assault, according to the Austin-American Statesman. As the investigation continues, APD is trying to determine if one or both of the suspects in custody fired a gun.

One of the critically injured victims, Douglas John Kantor, was pronounced dead due to injuries Sunday at 12:01 p.m., according to a news release from APD. The other individual remains in critical condition at the time of publication. Twelve victims remain in stable condition.

“He was shot through the abdomen just below the rib cage, straight through,” Kantor’s brother, Nick Kantor, told KXAN. “He suffered from the time of the injury until (the) time of death. It was the most gruesome thing I could think to wish on someone. It’s painful to discuss, but I think the public deserves to know what my brother suffered.”

Joseph Chacon, Austin Police

Department’s interim chief, said emergency services were notified about gunshot sounds in the area at 400 block of East 6th Street on Saturday at 1:24 a.m. APD has not released possible motives.

The night after the mass shooting, there were three more unrelated shootings in the Austin area, according to KXAN. Some APD officials, including Chacon, cited the budget cuts made by Austin City Council last August and changes in cadet classes as the reason for a constrained police force.

Chas Moore, executive director for the Austin Justice Coalition, said 6th Street is one of the most heavily policed areas in Austin and hiring more police officers would not prevent crime.

“The reason all those officers didn’t deter or capture the shooter wasn’t because there weren’t plenty of them on the scene, it’s because police presence can’t prevent a determined person with a gun from causing harm,” Moore said in an email to the Austin Justice Coalition email subscribers.

Chacon said officers had their body cameras on and the footage will be reviewed as the incident is investigated further, along with other security cameras in the area.

Chacon said APD believes “almost all” of the victims were innocent bystanders and they do not believe the shooting has a connection to the Republic of Texas Motorcycle Rally. Chacon said it appears to be an “isolated incident between two parties.”

According to the New York Times, violent crime rates are increasing nationally as businesses start to reopen.

House Bill 1927 eliminates the requirement for Texans to obtain a license to carry a handgun, effective Sept. 1. There is no requirement to obtain a license to be able to carry a rifle openly in Texas.

jack myer

/ the daily texan file

LEAVE NO TRACE:

DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

Visiting an outdoor space in Austin?

Trashcans aren’t always nearby.

Remember to bring bags and reusable containers so you can pack out all trash, pet waste, and leftover food. austintexas.gov/leavenotrace

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TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

STATE

Some UT professors say ‘critical race theory’ bill is harmful to students’ learning

By Marisa Huerta @_marisahuerta

UT professors said a bill that would ban discussion of racial inequality in schools harms students’ education and social awareness in the classroom.

House Bill 3979, also known as the “critical race theory” bill, was recently passed in both chambers of the Texas Legislature. The bill was then sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk to sign June 1 and is awaiting action.

Sponsored by Republican lawmakers, the bill limits discussion of current events in the classroom and says teachers cannot be compelled to

discuss issues such as systemic racism. Should the conversation occur, teachers must explore various perspectives without giving deference to one perspective, according to the bill.

Robert Reece, an assistant professor of sociology, said the bill’s utilization of critical race theory as its focal point is a cover for any and all discussions of race, and that professors don’t need to indoctrinate students.

“I don’t have to choose a side to teach people the truth,” Reece said.

“We all acknowledge, because the data tells us all, that racial inequality is real, and they’re trying to roll us back to a point of debating that very simple fact, rather than having productive discussions about

what we’re dealing with and how to make it better.”

Reece said professors already teach from an objective perspective and this reality is one the legislature chooses not to acknowledge.

“They’re trying to actually prevent us from teaching from that objective perspective,” Reece said. “They want us to teach from a biased perspective and pretend that there are two sides to an issue when there really is only one side, and that side is that racial inequality is real.”

Cossy Hough, a clinical associate professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, said open discussions about historical events, such as lynchings and redlining, should be a significant curriculum component.

“The U.S. has been in this time of racial reckoning over the past year, and there has been more awareness about what has been left out in the history many of us were taught in Texas,” Hough said. “Limiting critical discussions around events like this and the systemic oppression of Black and brown people in the U.S. doesn’t make these events and systems go away.”

In a statement released last month, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick responded to criticisms from various educators across Texas.

“When parents send their children to school, they want their students to learn critical thinking without being indoctrinated with misinformation charging that America and our Constitution are rooted in racism,” Patrick said in the statement.

Hough said opponents of critical race theory tend to interpret its message as white people being inherently racist, but it ultimately teaches students to evaluate systems of power. “(Critical race theory) isn’t about saying that some people are racist just because of their race,” Hough said. “It’s more about the systemic racism present in our current systems such as education, criminal justice, housing, etc.”

Maya Shankar, a psychology senior and student activist, said the bill is an attempt to conceal the nature of the country’s origins.

“I feel like they’re just providing less opportunities for students to actually be taught the real history and background of the U.S.,” Shankar said.

copyright cossy hough, and reproduced with permission

Cossy Hough is a clinical associate professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.

NEWS

LIFE&ARTS

JENNIFER ERRICO

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Life&Arts Editor | @TEXANARTS TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

STUDENT LIFE

‘Music’s just going to get bigger’ Student musicians talk future of performances and lyrics after COVID-19 pandemic.

By Morgan-Taylor Thomas @mtthomas

elting out every note with perfect pitch, Jeremiah “AJ” Abdullah ecstatically performed at his best friend’s wedding in March. After what felt like an eternity stuck in his four walled bedroom, the alumnus couldn’t think of a better way to get back to the live music scene.

“You would think I’d record a lot of music (during the pandemic), but honestly, I had never been in such a slump,’’ Abdullah said. “I really lost all motivation because it was one of those things where everything was really dull … (and) the mental toll of it all was more than I even comprehended.”

Like Abdullah, many student musicians felt the effect of the pandemic on their ability to connect with other artists and produce music. Without their bands, some said they’ve resorted to other styles and genres of music. Utilizing isolation as a growing

period, artists are excited to share their innovative sounds as COVID-19 restrictions decrease and Texas reopens.

Maddy Hatchett said even though her creative process and rock ‘n’ roll influences of music haven’t been hindered, not being able to practice faceto-face with her bandmates caused her to dive into softer versions of music.

“I’ve been writing more acoustic music where it’s just me and my guitar,” UT alumna Hatchett said. “I’ve been focusing more on the lyrics than having it be rock ‘n’ roll guitar focused. These (songs) were born out of a special circumstance, and I don’t want to take that away from them.”

Hatchett said although most artists have their “pandemic song” that expresses the hardships each creator experienced, the desire of both musicians and audiences to get back to in-person performances trumps the overwhelming feeling of infinite sadness.

“I’m feeling, like, a roaring ‘20s side — people just want to go crazy and dance after all this time,” Hatchett said.

“It’s cool that we have our sad songs (to reflect on), but I think people are also just ready to celebrate and be like, ‘Hell yeah, we’re all back together.’”

As for Lake House bassist Danny Garza, living with bandmate and original band member John West has allowed the team to focus on their music, even though the pandemic isolated them from band members Sam Smith and Andrew Burt.

“We throw material across the

apartment all day long,” Garza said.

“I gravitate toward punk, … and John’s a little bit of a metal head. I tend to write music that’s a little bit more aggressive, and John typically writes something that might be a little bit more chill. (But) I think that’s where both of our minds come together (and) can work something out, because we love both of those things.”

COVID-19 not only terminated live performances but also decreased the release of copious amounts of music, causing some musicians to worry about exposure during a heightened time of new music. Nevertheless, Garza said there can never be too much music.

“Music’s just going to get bigger,”

Garza said. “People are definitely dipping their toes in the water and just getting reactions. Despite there (maybe) being an oversaturation, I feel like people love when music keeps coming.

It’s not gonna stop.”

Abdullah hopes to continue music in his post-graduation life, sharing both his established umbrella indie sounds and the back and forth emotional exploration he discovered in the pandemic.

“I just signed with a label,” Abdullah said. “I’m finishing up this EP that I’m gonna release with the label, so I’m hoping I can do my musical artist’s dream in a month and see if that changes my life.”

rocky higine

/ the daily texan staff

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TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

LIFE&ARTS

CAMPUS

Students talk upcoming shift to in-person classes

By Sofia Treviño @Sofiacis_7

Walking down Speedway amid clumps of incoming freshmen in the summer heat, Katilyn Carr’s 2019 orientation was full of meeting new people and exploring campus. As an orientation adviser this summer, though, orientation starts with a click of a button, joining Zoom meetings from her West Campus apartment.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, classes, activities and social gatherings have been held virtually. Though each class endured a different pandemic experience, transitioning to in-person classes in the fall is a commonality each student will experience together.

“I’ve been virtual longer than I’ve been in person. I feel like (the fall 2019 semester) was fun, but now (each semester) feels a little bit more like a blur, because (everything has) changed so quickly,” said Carr, a speech, language and hearing sciences junior. “I’m actually really nervous to go back because all I know now is my routine for online school.”

Carr said this year’s orientation has drastically focused on mental health to accommodate the changing environment and

policies. Also, she said this year’s Longhorn Welcome Week will not only focus on incoming students, but serve as a welcome back for everyone, as students readjust to in-person classes and post-pandemic norms.

“We’ve had people from University Health Services and the mental health center come talk to (orientation groups). That genuinely is a good resource for going back because having any worries is normal,” Carr said. “It’s really helpful knowing (that) we actually are all in the same boat. There’s not that much of a difference between anybody, really, except for probably our age.”

As an incoming biology freshman undergoing a virtual orientation, Daniella Espinoza realizes she must not only adjust to college life, but a post-pandemic life. She is ready to tackle the challenges that await and return to in-person schooling.

“Because of quarantine, I know a lot of my friends, and even for me at one point, started to develop social anxiety,” Espinoza said. “I definitely think (socializing) is going to be an adjustment we have to go through, but I think we’ll get back to it, and it’ll be normal again.”

Attending virtual orientation last summer, electrical

megan clarke

engineering sophomore Paul Han said he feels his experience did not prepare him for in-person classes or meeting new people.

“With traditional orientation, you would walk around campus exploring and visiting all these different buildings, but we weren’t given that luxury, obviously,” said Han. “We looked at a couple of buildings on Google Maps, but that really doesn’t replicate actually walking from place to place.

The Zoom meeting was basically just awkward silences all day, and no one really wanted to talk.”

Because Han’s first year at UT

/ the daily texan staff

was all virtual, he said he feels like he’s in the class of “2024.5,” referring to it as a strange in between state.

Han, Carr and Espinoza recognize many other students may be worried about returning in person in the fall and said that will ultimately unite the UT community.

“Going back is a huge change for a lot of people,” Carr said. “Our support will be each other. Something I have noticed from interacting with students in orientation is that a lot of students found comfort in knowing that we’re going to all do this together.”

SPORTS

C A R T E R YAT E S

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Sports Editor | @TEXANSPORTS TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

SWIMING & DIVING

Texas signee qualifies for Tokyo Hailey Hernandez set to compete in Olympic Games after impressive showing at Trials.

By Ethan Ferguson @ethan_ferguson6

ailey Hernandez has yet to compete for The University of Texas, but she already claimed a spot in the U.S. Olympic Team on Saturday afternoon.

The 18-year-old diver from Southlake, Texas finished second in the women’s 3-meter springboard event with a score of 926.55 at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, which took place in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Hernandez will now suit up for the United States in this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games before starting her first college classes as a freshman in August.

A product of Carroll High School, Hernandez is a two-time senior national champion on 3-meter and 10-time junior national champion in multiple events. In addition to that, she is a two-time World Junior Championships silver medalist in 1-meter and 3-meter in 2018.

Hernandez held a two-point second place lead over Texas diver Alison Gibson going into the last day of the women’s 3-meter at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, but Gibson quickly passed Hernandez by four points after her first dive, a forward 2 ½ somersault 1 twist pike, which earned 67.50 points.

The recent high school graduate regained her second place spot on her fourth dive with a reverse 2 ½ somersault tuck, earning a score of 70.00. After surfacing from her final dive, a forward 2 ½ somersault 1 twist pike, the emotion and awe on her face said it all.

“This is just so unreal. I’m literally shaking,” said Hernandez. “I’m at a loss of words. I’m just so excited.”

Hernandez finished 85.40 points behind University of Nevada diver

copyright courtesy of u.s. olympic committee, and reproduced with permission

Hailey Hernandez poses with University of Nevada diver Krysta Palmer after earning second place in the women’s 3-meter springboard at the U.S Diving Trials.

Krysta Palmer. The two, who have an age gap of 11 years, will compete together for Team USA in the women’s 3-meter event.

Hernandez isn’t the only Texas swimmer competing alongside Krysta Palmer at this year’s Olympic games, however. Gibson also claimed a spot to the Tokyo Olympic Games in the women’s synchro 3-meter springboard with Palmer as her partner.

The duo finished first in the event by 28 points with a score of 899.82 last Thursday, making them the

first divers to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team.

Coming into the last day of the event at trials, Gibson and Palmer held a 26-point lead and refused to let the other divers catch up. The duo’s last dive, a forward 2 ½ somersault with two twists, earned an outstanding 71.40 points, securing their position on the U.S. Olympic Team.

“I have been working for this day my whole life, and now it’s here,” Gibson said. “It’s surreal. I’m like, ‘Pinch me, am I dreaming?’”

Another Texas diver, Jordan

Windle, also earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team after finishing second in the men’s 10-meter platform Saturday. With a total score of 1401.40, Windle finished just 19.60 points behind Purdue University’s Brandon Loschiavo.

Windle stood in second place going into the final day of the event, trailing Loschiavo by 50 points.

Windle displayed his skill on the very first dive, an inward 3 ½ somersault tuck, where he scored a near-perfect 96.00. Adopted from Cambodia at just 18 months old, Windle emerged

from the pool after his final dive with tears in his eyes knowing he had just accomplished one of his goals.

“It makes me feel really good knowing that I made my family and team proud,” said Windle. “Pushing through a lot of pain and obstacles has been quite the journey. In the end it worked out, and I couldn’t be more happy.”

The Tokyo Olympic Games are set to start July 23. Gibson will represent Team USA on July 26, Hernandez on July 30 and Windle on Aug. 6.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

SPORTS

TRACK & FIELD

Tara Davis Highlights texas’ dominant performance at ncaas

copyright courtesy of ncaa, and reproduced with permission

Tara Davis takes a victory lap after becoming the first Texas woman to win a national title in the outdoor long jump.

By Kaitlyn Harmon @kait_harmon

As Texas men and women hung up their spikes after the conclusion of the 2020-2021 season at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, lone champion Tara Davis stayed on the track, but instead of keeping on her spikes, she grabbed a pair of cowboy boots.

On Wednesday, 24 Longhorns stepped foot onto the historic Hayward Field, but only one walked away a champion. Davis, a collegiate record holder, swept both indoor and outdoor NCAA long jump titles Thursday when she leapt down the runway in burnt orange for the last time.

Davis concluded her collegiate career at UT as the first Texas woman to win a national title in the outdoor long jump. The University of Georgia

transfer-turned-Longhorn recorded a jump of 6.70 meters and secured four of the top 20 jumps on school record.

“Honestly, this was the hardest competition I’ve ever, ever been in,” Davis said. “We were all just struggling so hard, and we hit a mental point, all of us, where we’re like, ‘Oh my gosh. Are we that good of jumpers? I have no idea.’”

Yet, Davis persisted. The indoor and outdoor title holder pranced around in a cowboy hat and boots after securing her new crown, celebrating her time at Texas, her recent graduation and now, her new national title. Davis’ new title is the ninth on school record, and the first since 2016, where a Texas woman or relay team swept both NCAA indoor and outdoor titles in a singular event.

Davis now looks ahead to the

Olympic Trials on June 24, which will also be hosted at Hayward Field.

According to Davis, competing at the same field in Eugene, Oregon only enhances her preparation.

While Davis’ Texas career comes to a close, freshman Kristine Blazevica’s is only beginning. Blazevica, a Latvian heptathlete, secured a thirdplace finish at her first NCAA Outdoor Championship while also recording the second-best performance by a Longhorn ever.

With Davis and Blazevica, the Texas women concluded the four-day event with a seventh-place tie — posting their highest NCAA Outdoor finish since 2016 — and the Texas men placed sixth with their highest finish since 2013.

German decathlete Leo Neugebauer pulled his weight on the men’s side,

placing fourth in the decathlon. The sophomore recorded a personal best in the 1,500-meter run at 4:51.45.

Yet, it was senior Tripp Piperi who brought Texas into its highest finish since 2013. Piperi, who’s no stranger to the NCAA Outdoor Championships, was Texas’ biggest scorer Wednesday.

After enduring an ankle injury and undergoing surgery, Piperi returned to the field to defend his 2019 NCAA Outdoor Champion title. Piperi launched a season-best shot of 20.71 meters, placing second.

While only Davis walks away crowned a champion, the 2020-2021 season makes both Texas’ men’s and women’s programs top-seven finishers at the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the first time since 2006. But Texas will be back next season and is already hungry for more.

COMICS

DESTINY ALEXANDER

Comics Editor | @TEXANCOMICS TUES, JUNE 15, 2021

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TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

NEWS

CAMPUS

Students discuss full capacity reopening, anticipate new sense of community

By Kaushiki Roy @Kaushikiroy3

UT announced plans to reopen at full capacity indoors beginning August 16 in an internal communications email students received June 11.

In the email, University administration said outdoor capacity would reach 100% starting June 11, and the University would increase indoor capacity for activities including classes and labs over the next two months. The email also announced a new form of COVID-19 rapid testing which will be offered in the fall alongside vaccination efforts.

According to the email from Cindy Posey, director of internal communications, the University

cannot require students to be vaccinated or mandate that students wear masks by Texas law.

This has caused some students to be concerned about campus reopening in the fall. Steven Ding, president of UT Senate of College Councils, said he has mixed feelings about reopening.

“On one hand, it’s like the whole world is going back to normal, which is crazy,” said Ding, a management information systems and urban studies senior. “But I get the feeling that for university, lots of students will be coming from everywhere and will be COVID conscious.”

As the University moves to open back up, Ding said he is concerned that fully online classes will decrease in availability and flexibility.

“There’s not a lot of online options anymore and I think that might hurt some people who want to stay home because of COVID,” Ding said.

Psychology sophomore Jahnavi Mehta said she is excited for in-person interactions and believes they are important to her college experience.

“Last year I did not get to experience college and I was very disappointed,” Mehta said. “I was unable to make any new friends that weren’t living with me or that I didn’t meet through a certain online group.”

Mehta said while she is excited, she also believes the University should reopen more slowly.

“I just wish it was done in a more step-by-step process as

opposed to just letting everyone do everything at once, especially since there’s no way to verify people have the vaccine at all times and at every place,” Mehta said.

Ding said he is planning to keep a hybrid approach for Senate meetings in order to accommodate those who may feel unsafe.

Ding said since the classes of 2024 and 2025 will both be on campus for the first time, having full capacity on campus could be chaotic.

“It’s almost like we have two freshman classes,” Ding said. “I think it’ll be hard for everyone to orient themselves and worry about COVID at the same time and if we had more online options it would definitely be easier on the classes.”

However, computer science

emma george

sophomore Adithya Arunganesh said he does not mind campus reopening quickly.

“I think it’s okay that the campus reopens, given that more students get vaccinated,” Arunganesh said. “Plus, if the University is offering testing and people are responsible about it, there shouldn’t be many issues.”

Regardless of concerns, students like Mehta say they are excited to be on campus in a safer environment.

“When I go to UT, I am really excited to properly meet all the girls in my current sorority and to start making friends,” Mehta said. “I want to say I’ll be cautious about COVID since I’ll wear a mask, but I will also go to parties when I can.”

/ the daily texan file