RAs speak out against media policy
By Jacquelyn Burrer News Contributor
Editor’s note: the current Resident Assistant (RA) in this story has requested to stay anonymous as they still work for the Department of Housing and Residential Life and do not want to risk losing their job.
Current and former RAs are speaking out against the Department of Housing and Residential Life’s (DHRL) media policy, arguing it restricts their First Amendment rights of free speech and expression.
As of Sept. 9, 22 RAs were once again required to live with freshmen roommates due to overcrowding in on-campus housing.
“[DHRL] does not want anyone to know that we’re so over capacity,” a current RA said. “On the inside [of the department], it is so chaotic. I’ve not been at the upper levels of management within the department, but just from a person [at the bottom of the] pyramid, it is so chaotic.”
Some RAs at Texas State feel they do not have freedom of speech to speak out or speak to the media about issues they face in their capacity at DHRL, according to the RA. SEE FREE SPEECH PAGE 2
Honoring heritage: firstgeneration Hispanic women navigate through TXST
By Madelin Morales Life and Arts Contributor
For many people, Hispanic Heritage Month is a marking of culture and heritage. For some first-generation female students, it is also a celebration of their higher education and what that means to them and their families.
Hispanic students make up 40% of the student population at Texas State, with 43% of the school’s undergraduate students being first-generation.
Hispanic and Latino students on average are more likely to be first-generation students than any other ethnic group, with roughly 44% of Hispanic/Latino students being the first in their families to attend a university in the U.S., according to a Best Colleges report in 2022.
Three first-generation Hispanic women who shared their journey to Texas State are a part of Latinas Unidas — a social club on campus for Hispanic and Latina women to embrace their culture, empowerment and fellowship with one another.
SEE HERITAGE PAGE 6
Experts weigh benefits, challenges of federal species conservation plan
By James Phillips News Reporter
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released a draft recovery plan aimed at protecting endangered species in the Edwards Aquifer but some experts warn that without strict enforcement, delisting species could lead to their extinction.
The plan’s goal is to boost the numbers of endangered species like the Texas Blind Salamander, San Marcos Salamander, Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle, Peck’s Cave Amphipod, Fountain Darter and Texas Wild-Rice by introducing captive populations from the San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center, according to a statement by FWS. Under the plan, invasive species in the Edwards Aquifer will also be removed.
According to the official draft released by the FWS, the plan aims to restore endangered species to self-sustaining populations in the wild, allowing them to be removed from the federal endangered species list.
“Protections may include, but are not limited to, land management activities, ordinances, land acquisition from willing sellers, long-term conservation agreements and habitat management plans,” the draft plan states.
SEE ENVIRONMENT PAGE 3
Star Snaps: This Week in San Marcos
Texas State marketing sophomore Lysha Pineda poses in front of the Vaquero Statue on campus, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in front of Old Main.
Sacred Springs Powwow Assistant Director José Dominguez-Leal leads participants of the Sacred Springs Powwow to receive blessings from the east, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at the San Marcos River. Participants received blessings from the four cardinal directions, the sky, the earth and the heart.
DJ Zakk Emery hugs DJ Candy Tribble during a set for the Frights and Sounds Music Festival, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Sean Patricks. Tribble goes by the stage name Candy Beatz.
Shoemaker and owner of Tracking Natives Luis Cuervo sings and plays a drum, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at the San Marcos River. The fan is made with feathers from birds of the south and a handle typical of the north to unite energies of both sides of the Americas.
A sign along the San Marcos River spreads awareness about the habitat of Wild-Rice and Fountain Darters, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, near Bicentennial Park.
PHOTO BY KATHERINE REA
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
PHOTO BY KHANG LE
INFOGRAPHIC BY SARAH MANNING AND DJ ROSS
“[DHRL] just basically looks over what you said and sees how bad it is basically and determine from there,” the RA said. “You would either be fired or just, I guess put on probation forever, but most likely fired from what I remember.”
The University Star asked for all training materials and presentations used by the DHRL for RA a public information request.
Section 04.01, “Procedures for Responding to Media Inquiries,” states university personnel should “notify their supervisor or the director of the [Office of Media Relations] or the [Associate Vice President] for University Advancement Communications. As long as time factors are taken into consideration, it is permissible to take a phone number, ask what topic will be covered and immediately return a call or email. This allows the person queried the opportunity to seek advice.”
The policy also states, “when an employee of the university gives a personal opinion on the subject, they should make certain that the reporter understands that they are speaking for themselves, not for the university.
However, the UPPS never states an explicit policy where requests for media interviews must be approved by their supervisor, only that personnel should notify their supervisor.
sion (FIRE) Program Officer for Campus Rights Advocacy Dominic Coletti, speaking with a title does not mean an employee is speaking on behalf of their employer.
“[DHRL is] applying this [policy] to interactions with the media that are just about an RA’s personal experiences where they talk about what they feel about the issues of the day, not what the university feels, and that is absolutely prescribed by the First Amendment,” Coletti said.
“When [RAs are] speaking to the media about an issue of…a matter of public concern…, they don’t surrender the right to speak on those issues just because they happen to work for the government.”
The RA said DHRL explained the policy as RAs can speak to the media as students without a title, but if it relates to the department, their capacity as an RA or if they use their RA title, they could be disciplined.
The RA said they felt if they were to talk to the media using their name, it could lead to them getting fired.
“Full stop, yes, I do think I would be fired,” the RA said. “There’s more applicants, so if I got fired, it would be pretty easy to hire someone else.”
DHRL trains RAs to avoid speaking to the media, according to the RA.
“[DHRL will say] ‘the media will take your words out of context, and
“As long as [DHRL] didn’t hear about it, I had freedom of speech,” Keep said. “[There was a] mentality of not wanting anything to slip. It felt like the only information they wanted to be released about them was by them.”
For RAs, getting fired does not just mean losing their job – it also means losing their housing.
Former RA and Texas State alumna Regina Macias said she and a few other RAs tried to form a student union in 2022, but most RAs did not want their names to be associated out of fear of being fired.
“I go to school there, I eat there, I live there,” Macias said. “I [didn’t] want to put myself in a position where I could lose my housing and my source of income.”
The University Star released a story reporting RAs were being silenced by the DHRL’s media policy in 2018, which stated RAs could not speak to the media unless the request was approved by the department.
In the article, a DHRL representative said the department would work on creating an RA addendum that would allow all RAs to review and sign on to a revised media policy. However, DHRL’s media policy for RAs did not change, and an addendum was never created for a media policy.
In 2022, an opinion piece written
Employees of the government don’t surrender their right to speak to citizens on matters of public concern, and that especially extends to speech about their employer. Any policy that prohibits RAs from speaking as citizens on these issues of public concerns would be unconstitutional.”
Dominic
Coletti FIRE program officer for
campus rights
In a statement to The University Star, a Texas State University Spokesperson wrote, “per university policy, TXST employees must notify their supervisor before engaging with representatives of the media regarding inquiries into matters pertaining to the university.”
Bill Mattera, executive director of DHRL, said the department does not dictate RA’s speech as students, but there are parameters an employee has to follow when speaking to the media.
“I’m a full-time employee, I have speech rights, and I could talk to [the media] tomorrow as Bill Mattera, but as Bill Mattera, executive director of housing, I’m going to run that through media relations,” Mattera said. “If you just leave off [the title of] resident assistant when media identifies them in their story, there’s no question that they’re [speaking] as a private citizen.”
According to Foundation for Individual Rights and Expres-
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advocacy
they will twist things’,” the RA said. In the media training materials for RAs, the “Support Freedom of Speech” slide states RAs should “clarify when you are speaking only as an individual and not utilizing your title or employment status.”
Coletti said as Texas State is a public university, the administration cannot restrict the speech of its employees in their capacity as citizens, regardless of if they use their employment title, as it violates the First Amendment.
“Employees of the government don’t surrender their right to speak to citizens on matters of public concern, and that especially extends to speech about their employer,” Coletti said. “Any policy that prohibits RAs from speaking as citizens on these issues of public concerns would be unconstitutional.”
Former RA and Texas State alumna Tabby Keep said she did not feel like she had freedom of speech in her capacity as an RA.
Editorial Staff
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Director: Laura Krantz laurakrantz@txstate.edu
by former RA Andrew Hodge ran in The University Star, arguing Texas State did not have the on-campus housing capacity to support the number of freshmen it was admitting.
Three RAs at the time, including Macias, were quoted in the story discussing how they had been affected by the influx of students at Texas State, particularly through having freshmen roommates.
After the story was published, all four RAs were required to attend “fact-finding meetings” with their supervisors to determine whether the RAs violated Texas State policy.
During the meetings, each of the RAs were asked numerous questions, including if they were aware that they would be identified in the article as a representative of DHRL.
Macias said she told DHRL that she did not speak to The Star as a representative of DHRL, but for herself as an RA.
After the meetings concluded, the
Managing Editor: Blake Leschber starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu
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Creative Service Director: Jen Nguyen starcreative@txstate.edu
three RAs who were quoted in the article received written warnings and were put on probation.
“I got an email saying I’m on probation, which the way the structure works is you do one more thing, you’re out basically,” Macias said.
This prompted Macias to reach out to FIRE, a free speech advocacy and legal defense group, who intervened on the RAs’ behalf by sending a letter to Texas State encouraging the school to rescind the written warnings and modify their media policy that bans RAs from “speaking as private citizens on matters of public concern.”
“RAs have a First Amendment right to publicly raise concerns about a university’s admissions policies, their workplace conditions or other important issues on campus,” James Jordan, FIRE litigation and campus advocacy fellow, wrote.
In January 2023, Texas State rescinded the three RAs’ written warnings and said they were committed to protecting free speech on campus.
Macias said the department held their spring 2023 RA training and reaffirmed the media policy after previously committing to protecting free speech on campus.
“We had our usual training of ‘don’t speak to the media, don’t speak to the press [because] they like to twist things’,” Macias said. “It’s not on the contract, but the policies still remain the same.”
Keep said in her time at the DHRL, the overall unspoken policy was to not make DHRL look bad and to not talk about anything related to DHRL.
After Keep graduated, she said she did not realize how suppressive the DHRL felt until she started a new job.
“Anytime censorship is in place, it’s because something shifty is going on,” Keep said. “It’s highlighted too with the fact those three RAs got [put on] probation, and then as soon as somebody pointed it out, [DHRL] is like, ‘oh, right, we can’t do that,’ without actually changing anything. [Instead] it’s, ‘Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again, and somebody doesn’t rat us out for violating First Amendment rights.’”
While Texas State can restrict speech of employees if they are speaking as the university’s official position, Coletti said Texas State does not have the ability as a public institution to restrict speech of personnel or require approval to participate in a media interview.
“If the position that Texas State wants to take is that the media likes to twist things, then that’s very disheartening to hear from a school like that, and it definitely doesn’t bode well for the culture of freedom of expression,” Coletti said.
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Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, October 8, 2024. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor-in-chief.
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Corrections: Any errors that are in the pages of The University Star and brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible.
Lucciana Choueiry
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires agencies like the FWS to develop recovery plans to help endangered species reach sustainable population levels so they can be removed from the endangered species list.
Donelle Robinson, a recovery planning team biologist for the FWS, described what the recovery criteria looks like for a species to become delisted.
“[The criteria] generally have to do with how much spring flow there is, habitat management, water quality, disease and parasites… if you have the habitat doing okay but the actual populations [of the species] aren’t doing well then that would be a problem,” Robinson said.
Robinson said the plan involves monitoring San Marcos waters to ensure proper water quality and habitat conservation.
Amelia Hunter, recovery planning team biologist for the FWS, said the earliest the plan could take effect is one year after Nov. 12, when the
Let’s say all the species got delisted... there are no longer federal requirements on how to manage the adverser and folks go wild with the pumping and they dry up the springs, they kill all the species,”
Meadows Center
public comment period officially ends.
Rachel Sanborn, director of operations for the San Marcos River Foundation, said the process of returning some species to pre-endangered levels is difficult.
“The San Marcos salamander is very sensitive and we can do what we can to ensure that they have a proper habitat but it’s a little harder to get them to breed,” Sanborn said.
Sanborn said the most significant progress in
species conservation is with Texas Wild-Rice.
“The Texas Wild-Rice was almost extinct, in 1968 there were two plants of it left in the river at that time,” Sanborn said. “[But FWS] have had an amazing success with learning about how to propagate the Texas Wild-Rice.”
However, not all experts are in support of the plan. Robert Mace, director of the Meadows Center, said he has concerns with the project.
“It’s the endangered species listing that has caused the aquifer to be managed in a way to preserve spring flow,” Mace said. “So the temptation for the state and the stakeholders in the state, particularly those [that pump water] such as San
Antonio and the farmers, the temptation will be [that] we no longer have to worry about the [delisted] species.”
Mace warned that, in a worst-case scenario, all of the species could face extinction without the protections offered by the ESA.
“Let’s say all the species got delisted because we’re doing such a great job of protecting spring flow and protecting the habitat. There are no longer federal requirements on how to manage the aquifer and folks go wild with the pumping and they dry up the springs, they kill all the species,” Mace said.
According to Mace, the concern arises because the spring’s federal protection is tied to it being the only habitat for endangered species, which is lost once the species are delisted.
Robinson said the FWS requires there to be continued protections in order to delist a species.
“There needs to be a habitat management plan in perpetuity as far as the delisting criteria,” Robinson said.
Community members can provide public comments on the FWS plan until Nov. 12.
Scan the QR code to submit a public comment on the FWS plan.
Sheriff department uses facial recognition software
By Ryan Clyacamp Senior News Reporter
The Hays County Sheriff’s Department implemented Clearview AI’s facial recognition software after it was approved by the commissioners court in December 2023.
The technology, which is used to help identify potential suspects and victims in camera footage and photographs, was implemented shortly after its approval. According to Robert Wojtanowicz, a strategic analyst supervisor, the software is currently solely used to help find leads in an investigation.
“[Clearview AI] is a tool designed for us to be able to create investigative leads. It just kind of speeds everything up and allows us a different avenue to try to identify these folks,” Wojtanowicz said.
The software is currently used only to identify footage from CCTV footage, or still images from public websites, such as social media platforms. Clearview AI is not currently used to monitor live footage anywhere in Hays County.
“All this information is available to the general public, so anybody with an internet connection can go in and access any of these photos or any of the results that we’re getting back from Clearview, anyone can go in and access them,” Wojtanowicz said.
According to critics of facial recognition, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), facial recognition software can misidentify people of color, especially women of color.
Wohtanowicz said the sheriff’s department has used the facial
recognition software in around 120 investigations since December. He said he is unaware of a time in which his team gave a wrong identity to an investigator solely based on Clearview’s software.
“We’ll get results that obviously aren’t pertaining to our case, but our analyst team, they’re very thorough, they’re very effective and they make sure to vet all of those potential results before even passing it along to an investigator,” Wojtanowicz said.
Wojtanowicz said the Hays County Sheriff’s Department is working to ensure the technology is only used by trained staff and is used responsibly.
“Our team is very well trained on the program, and they’re also extensively trained on the actual searching of law enforcement intelligence systems,” Wojtanocwicz said. “When you have a tool like this, you have to use it responsibly. So we make sure that we’re following all state statutes and federal regulations when we use [AI].”
According to Hays County Sheriff Lieutenant Clint Pulpan, the sheriff’s department ensures Clearview AI is not the only factor in identifying, or arresting a person of interest in a case.
“It’s why when we get any other picture of a possible suspect, no matter where it comes from, that’s not enough probable cause for a warrant,” Pulpan said. “It’s just a lead, it is not enough in and of itself to arrest anybody and there’s no way that’s going to happen.”
The sheriff’s department is not the only law enforcement agency in Hays County that uses AI to help investigate crimes. According to a state
ment emailed to The Star, the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) also uses AI.
“The police department is committed to crime reduction through community engagement.
Part of that strategy includes the use of technology. The department uses covert cameras, overt cameras, license plate reading cameras, intelligence systems and resources, and
limited facial recognition software,” the statement said.
SMPD has recently expanded the usage of license plate reading camera software to fight a regional increase in auto thefts.
INFOGRAPHIC BY KAYLEE MARSH
Robert Mace Director of the
INFOGRAPHIC BY KAYLEE MARSH
ILLUSTRATION BY DJ ROSS
Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.
Fight hate, understand your Arab and Muslim peers
By Zayna Abdel-Rahim Opinions Columnist
On April 29, the words of a heckler, “Palestinians are Muslim dogs,” rang throughout the Quad during the Sit-In for Palestine on campus. These words were spoken with the intention to cause hurt, but in reality, only spoke to the heckler’s own ignorance.
Parallel to the increase in hate crimes committed on Arabs and Muslims post-9/11, history is repeating itself in the U.S. following the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks in Israel by militant Palestinian groups. Within three months following the attack, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) claims it received 3,578 discrimination-related complaints, a nearly 180% increase from 2022.
The intensity of the situation in the Middle East has led to the level of hate seen today. CAIR reports “many of the incidents in the last year entailed anti-Palestinian... discrimination. CAIR... counts these cases because anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian bias are often conflated.”
This conflation perpetuated by a single narrative of Arabs and Muslims creates false representations of these communities. When one takes action with incomplete information, one harms not only the targeted community but all of society. By making an effort to better understand Muslim and Arab peers, students can counter hate and move toward unity.
Manar Naser, an anthropology graduate student, is a Christian Palestinian-American. Despite not being Muslim, Naser said her family has faced Islamophobia due to assumptions based on their ethnicity.
“I’ve been called towelhead before, and I’m not even covered or anything, and it’s like, do you even know what you’re saying?” Naser said. “Sometimes people hear that you’re Arab, and they automatically think of ways to insult you and most of those insults are based in Islamophobia which is just really sad.”
In January, I made the decision to wear hijab. It was a deeply personal decision made as a result of my Islamic faith. Nonetheless, I knew this decision meant I needed to prepare myself for the ways in which I would be othered based on my appearance.
Common stereotypes faced by hijabis are that we are oppressed, forced to cover and foreign. These stereotypes don’t abide by my reality nor the reality of countless others.
Ameris Israel-Simmons, a health science sophomore, is an African American Muslim and hijabi. Israel-Simmons said she claims no immediate foreign ancestry.
“I remember when I first wore hijab, I would often hear ‘where are you from?’ and I was like ‘Houston,’ and they would ask ‘But where are you really from?’” Israel-Simmons said.
This conflation leads society to where it is today. Under multiple circumstances, I have been treated so foreign that my American heritage and nationality was entirely discarded because I am a visibly Muslim woman.
Nonetheless, my hijab does not erase my American heritage. I was born and raised in this country as the daughter to a white, Christian mother and an Arab, Muslim father.
I lived my life as an uncovered, relatively liberal Muslim for more than 20 years. One can imagine how dystopian of an experience it is being treated as anything other than American by making one decision.
I am proud to be of the few able to say I am a daughter of the American Revolution and a proud Muslim. No part of how someone else may perceive me can erase these facts.
It is important to understand not every Arab is Muslim and not every Muslim is Arab. Christian Arabs exist, as do secular ones. Moreover, the word Palestinian is not a slur, but a resilient nation.
Amru Fadl, an international relations junior and co-president of the Arab Culture Club, said the importance of the club is to address the lack of cultural awareness around campus.
“I don’t think a lot of people understand the difference between ethnicity, race, culture, Arab, Arabic, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Coptic Christian; these are all different attributes to a particular person,” Fadl said.
Fadl said he’s hoping the club will dismantle the idea of Arabs and Islam being codependent.
If students do not make an active effort to correct misguided knowledge, they do themselves and these communities a disservice. By striving to understand the nuances and differences of one’s peers, the nation moves closer to overcoming disunity, hate and ignorance.
- Zayna Abdel-Rahim is an international relations senior
Pets are a larger responsibility than students may think
By Jayce Jackson Opinions Columnist
Just because students are able to adopt a pet doesn’t mean they should, especially when they haven’t considered the responsibilities that come with owning one.
In August, 326 strays were brought to the San Marcos Animal Shelter. It is clear there is a problem in San Marcos and students must be aware of the impacts adopting and surrendering a pet can have.
When considering adoption, one of the biggest issues students overlook is the financial commitment. Not only does food have to be factored in, but bedding, toys, supplies, medicine and vet appointments are all expensive requirements.
The yearly average cost of owning a pet ranges from $700 to $1,000. This also depends on the size, age, breed and maintenance of the animal. In addition, many San Marcos apartments require pet deposits that can cost hundreds of dollars. As a college student, it can be hard to float these expenses.
Many students might impulsively get a pet and realize they can’t afford the additional costs, leading them to surrender animals to the shelter.
“The [San Marcos] shelter said they have a lot of college kids who adopt a cat and they end up back here within a week,” Parker Manriquez, an acting
freshman who has adopted from the San Marcos Animal Shelter, said. “They want people to adopt who have thought it out.” Additionally, pets are a huge time commitment for students who already have a lot to balance.
While some pets might be okay with more alone time than others, the
American Kennel Club suggests dogs need at least two hours of social time every day. Enrichment is a necessity for pets, but busy college students might not have that time every day, as school and work often become larger priorities.
Lastly, students must consider their pets when on breaks or once they
graduate. Owning a pet is a yearslong commitment, not just when it’s convenient for the owner.
Animal shelters in college towns see an uptick in pet surrenders around summertime when students go back home. In June, 36 pets were surrendered to the San Marcos Animal Shelter. Students should be thinking ahead about whether they can take their pets home, or if someone can take care of them during the breaks.
Once students have done a fair amount of research, the best place to get a pet is the San Marcos Animal Shelter.
“I thought about [adopting a pet] and researched a lot,” Manriquez said. “I also prepared another loving home if he wasn’t a good match with me.”
Buying from a breeder can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, but adopting from the San Marcos Animal Shelter is $22 for spayed and neutered animals and $97 for non-fixed animals. In addition, adopters can bring back non-fixed animals to get fixed and vaccinated by the veterinarian on staff.
Students can also choose to foster animals for free from the shelter instead of adopting them if they cannot keep them over the breaks but want to give pets some time outside of the overcrowded shelters.
- Jayce Jackson is a journalism sophomore
The University Star welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers. All submissions are reviewed and considered by the Editor in Chief and Opinions Editor for publication. Not all letters are guaranteed for publication.
ILLUSTRATION BY KATLIN MARTINEZ
Lysha Pineda
For Lysha Pineda, business sophomore, her mother was a large motivation and inspiration for her going to college. Pineda’s mother had her when she was 18 years old and raised her as a single mother working many jobs throughout her childhood.
“My mom is my main role model,” Pineda said. “She couldn’t do the whole college thing. Being able to [attend college] and share these memories with her, like telling her, ‘Hey mom I got an A on my test,’ makes me happy to see her happy and proud of me that I am ‘solida adelante,’ meaning to go and move forward.”
The same Best Colleges report stated women made up the overwhelming majority of the total U.S Hispanic and Latino/graduate student population. 95,560 Hispanic and Latino/graduate students and around 185,060 (66%) were women in 2022. Hispanic and Latina women impact education in an immense way, and first-generation students bring great pride and joy and many families and individuals in the community.
Diane Nunez
With the large population of Hispanic students at Texas State, there are a variety of resources that help students pursue their degrees in different fields.
For Diane Nunez, geographic education doctorate student, being surrounded by Hispanic culture, resources and professors positively impacted her education at Texas State.
“At my other school where I did my undergrad, I didn’t have any Hispanic professors,” Nunez said. “It actually wasn’t until I came to Texas State that I had my first Hispanic professor in the anthropology department. It’s nice to see people that look like you in classrooms and share the same culture.”
From her experience, Nunez advises Hispanic students to embrace their diversity and not fear people will not support it.
“I’ve had so much support, which I’m lucky that I have, but I’m hopeful that it can be like that for other people because I think that’s what’s really helped me continue in my higher education,” Nunez said.
For Fatima Hernandez, elementary education junior, the resources at Texas State for first-generation and Hispanic students provided her with guidance and security as a student.
“My university seminar mentor opened the door for me with a lot of connections, and I was able to fully communicate and trust her,” Hernandez said. “I wasn’t afraid to ask her questions about classes or things I could be involved in like school activities.”
Hernandez said joining Latinas Unidas helped her embrace her culture and have a home away from home.
“Don’t be afraid to break the cycle when being first gen even if challenges arise, believe in yourself and one thing I like my third-grade teacher Mrs. Harrison always told me: ‘Reach for the stars,’” Hernandez said.
Leading by example: two women inducted into Women’s Hall of Fame
By Chloe Rawlinson Life and Arts Contributor
Friends, family and prominent women gathered at the Pauline Espinosa Community Hall to celebrate the achievements of Molly Ann Rosas-Garcia and Melani Howard as they were inducted into the San Marcos Women’s Hall of Fame.
Rosas-Garcia, San Marcos native, was the first honored inductee on the night of Oct. 3. She spends most of her time volunteering on numerous committee boards throughout the city. Her volunteer work includes many non-profits in the area, especially those dedicated to helping bring necessities to those in need.
“I feel like you have to find what it is that you’re passionate about, what you want to contribute and what you want to make change for,” Rosas-Garcia said. “When more women realize that what we do makes a difference and that people
are noticing what we do, we can have a louder voice.”
Rosas-Garcia said getting recognized was a shock, as other recognized women are pioneers in the community, but she felt honored. She aims to use her induction to inspire more women to make a change in the San Marcos community and use their power to inspire others.
“You really can make a difference, even if it’s just with one person,” Rosas-Garcia said. “You get out of the community what you put in it. Make something happen, get involved, your voice does matter.”
The next inductee of the night was Howard, local naturalist, who recently retired from decades of service to San Marcos’ environment and the U.S. Air Force. Similarly to Rosas-Garcia, she is involved with the San Marcos community, particularly in protecting the San Marcos River and other natural resources necessary to protect
the community’s environment.
“[The river] is where my heart is, it’s where my job was, so that is where I tend to go,” Howard said. “I’m on the board with the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance as their secretary, and I co-chair one of their committees. I also volunteer for the San Marcos River Alliance and the Eyes of San Marcos.”
Howard said she felt honored among such passionate women devoted to making a change in the community, as the sense of community while volunteering makes her want to never stop. She also encouraged San Marcos citizens to volunteer with organizations in the area.
“When people give to you, you should give back,” Howard said.
“San Marcos really is a unique community, it’s very special. Students in the area should think about settling here and looking into volunteer work because there is a lot of things going on, a lot of
things to help out with.”
The Women’s Hall of Fame began in 1984 to honor the volunteer work and leadership of women in the community and has since inducted over 140 women. Page Michel, Chamber of Commerce president and the night’s keynote speaker, focused on celebrating the inducted women during her speech, praising them for their service and leadership within the community.
“People talk about legacies as something to leave behind, but these women are creating their legacies in real time,” Michel said. “When women come together in service to our community, amazing things happen.”
Fatima Hernandez
San Marcos Women’s Hall of Fame 2024 inductee Melani Howard stands at a podium to
2024, at Pauline Espinosa Community Hall.
PHOTO BY MAYA CONTRERAS
Marketing sophomore Lysha Pineda poses at the Vaquero Statue, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in front of Old Main.
PHOTO BY KATHERINE REA
Geographic education doctorate student Diane Nunez poses at a table, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in the geography section of Alkek Library.
PHOTO BY LUCAS KRAFT
Education senior Fatima Hernandez poses below the stairs of Alkek Library, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at Texas State.
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
Female athletes at Texas State show pride in Hispanic heritage, pursue lifelong dreams
By Hope Monte Sports Contributor
Sophomore midfielder Victoria Meza of Texas State soccer moved to Texas from El Salvador to pursue her soccer and educational goals in the U.S.
“The [El Salvador] national team for me is one of the biggest parts of my life because it has brought me opportunities like being here [at Texas State],” Meza said. “After talking [with my] parents, we decided to take the university path and play D1 soccer while I was getting my degree.”
Meza said playing soccer at Texas State allows her to share her culture and inspire other athletes to embrace their heritage.
“[We should] be proud of our roots, even if we’re from a small country, we have a big heart and we can make an impact everywhere we go,” Meza said. “Don’t be ashamed of our culture... put ourselves out there and enjoy the way we’re living.”
Senior tennis player Sofia Fortuno said she came to play at Texas State because of the limited options in Venezuela.
“Since I was really young, my goal was always to come to America to play
in college, because in Venezuela, it’s not a thing,” Fortuno said. “You can’t play and go to college at the same time. You kind of have to choose one, and I really wanted to do both.”
Fortuno said she hopes to set an example for young Hispanic athletes, especially since tennis is less popular in Venezuela.
“Being an example for those girls that are in Venezuela and really want to come play here [in the U.S.], it’s really cool so they can see that it’s actually possible,” Fortuno said.
Senior tennis player Maria Lora said she has more opportunities outside of Colombia.
“My dad always told me, ‘it’s your dream, and I’m not gonna cut your wings for it, you just gotta follow what you want,’” Lora said.
Lora said she and Fortuno find comfort in having each other and being able to share their cultures through [speaking] Spanish, helping them stay connected to their origins.
“We’re really good friends; even if we’re homesick, we’re always there for each other,” Lora said. “I really love her, and having someone that speaks your language and knows the dynamic of our countries is actually really nice.”
According to Fortuno, she and Lora’s teammates and coaches are welcoming to learning more about Hispanic culture by listening to music they suggest and sharing phrases in the Spanish language.
“I think [the] U.S. is a country with a lot of Latinos and they have a lot of influence, especially [in] Texas, and I think it’s really cool,” Lora said. “I think we should be more open about learning new things and celebrating; I think [Hispanic Heritage Month] is really fun.”
Meza said sports bring people of all backgrounds together and represent what Hispanic heritage is all about.
“Representing a country as an athlete and sharing culture is something to be proud of,” Meza said. “Getting to represent my country and all these Central American countries too, in this big country, it makes an impact that we [Hispanics] are here in the U.S., and we are doing big things.”
Generations of alumni fuel Texas State rugby
By McKenna Ladson Sports Contributor
With 33 club sports offered at Texas State, students have plenty of options to choose from to get more involved with the university.
Many of the clubs offered are low in participation and limited in support from alumni, but that is not true for the Texas State Renegade Rugby Football Club (RFC).
Established in 1983, the RFC has substantial alumni support compared to other club sports at Texas State and one of the largest coaching staffs in Texas, according to Head Coach Dustin Carter. Carter is a Texas State alumnus, along with other coaches on staff. Carter said the alumni coaching involvement allows for more specialized groups.
“With the large coaching staff… we have the ability to break off into different skill groups,” Carter said. “We can work separately with experienced…and less experienced guys.”
Senior backs captain Elisha Garcia said alumni support for the club keeps the team operating smoothly.
“We have a huge alumni foundation that supports us,” Garcia said. “Half of this wouldn’t be possible without them.”
The RFC is currently 7-0 with one of its recent wins being against the alumni themselves, claiming the victory against the alumni for only the second time in RFC history at West Campus Fields on Saturday, Sept. 21.
With over 200 people in attendance, the support for the RFC and previous alumni is the largest at Texas State.
Alumni involvement and outreach are among the major reasons some RFC players chose Texas State. Many
came specifically for this program. Freshman scrum-half Jack Cooper said current players and alumni made his decision to come to Texas State easy.
“Even before I knew I was coming, a lot of them came out to watch me play,” Cooper said. “My dad knows some alumni…it all pretty much sealed the deal.”
RFC alumnus and current professional rugby player Nic Smith said
seeing the support was part of his decision as well.
“I saw how good the alumni support was,” Smith said. “They’ve always been a successful club, so it was an easy choice for me.”
Alumni contribute to the RFC program in various ways, including attending games, coaching and supporting current players.
“It is all a big brotherhood,” Smith said. “From guys that are 60-years-old to the guys I met playing a few years ago, it is all a huge family.”
According to Garcia, many opportunities would not be possible without alumni support.
“The alumni foundation has kept this program going for years,” Garcia said. “They support us with travel expenses…and everything we do.”
The RFC has gained a multitude of state titles and hopes to gain a national title this season. As the club continues, it cherishes the support from its alumni.
“[The support from the alumni] makes being a part of the club way better,” Smith said. “Because even after you graduate, you still feel connected with the guys you played with and current players.”
Texas State seniors Maria Lora (Left) and Sofia Fortuno (Right) high-five after scoring a point during their doubles match against Troy, Friday, April 5, 2024, at Texas State Tennis Complex.
Texas State rugby players pile up during a line-out in a match against UTSA, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at the West Campus Fields in San Marcos.
PHOTO BY KHANG LE
PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN
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Native American cloth dancers dance in line during the grand entry at the Sacred Springs Powwow, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, near the Meadows Center. People from all over the state traveled to attend the two-day powwow.
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
PHOTO BY KATHERINE REA
DJ Zakk Emery plays electronic dance music to a small audience at the Frights and Sounds Music Festival, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Sean Patricks. Emery is based out of New Braunfels.
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
Singer and guitarist Caleigh Oceguera performs with the band “Tough on Fridays”, at the Frights and Sounds Music Festival, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Railyard Bar and Grill. Tough on Fridays have released two albums in addition to
extended plays (EP) and singles.
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
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Roxanne Garza (Right), smudges a participant of the Sacred Springs Powwow on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at the headwaters of the Sacred Springs. Smudging is the ceremonial practice of burning sage or other herbs to cleanse and purify.
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
PHOTO BY KATHERINE REA
Xochimilli Citlalma, dances around for the Sacred Springs Powwow event, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at the Meadows Center in San Marcos.
Powwow dancers celebrate their culture with a song and a tribal dance during Sacred Springs Powwow event, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at the Meadows Center in San Marcos.
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
An Aztec dancer smiles in a line of dancers during the Sacred Springs Powwow grand entry, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, near the Meadows Center. A powwow is a celebration of Native American culture, history, art, dance, food and more.