Latest news with #StudentUnion
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Iconic UTEP Student Union to be torn down, replaced with updated building
The UTEP Student Union — an iconic building that reflects college life — is being torn down to make way for a more modernized student facility. The change will also raise the student union fee to help finance the construction project. The Texas Senate has passed House Bill 2853, sponsored by Sen. César J. Blanco and authored by Rep. Vince Perez, to support the expansion and modernization of the Student Union at The University of Texas at El Paso. In a news release issued Tuesday, May 27, Blanco said the bill raises the cap on the student union fee, last set in 1987, to help finance the demolition of UTEP's current Student Union and the construction of a modern facility designed to meet the needs of the university's growing student population. The student body approved the incremental fee increase in a campus-wide referendum held in September 2024. The Union fee paid by UTEP students will increase incrementally over the next three years: 2025-2026: $70 per semester, $35 summer 2026-2027: $120 per semester, $60 summer 2027-2028: $150 per semester, $75 summer House Bill 2853 now heads back to the House for concurrence. If that occurs, the bill will be sent to Gov. Greg Abbott for consideration. The Student Union is the heart of the campus, but has remained outdated for many years, Blanco said. "When I was a student at UTEP, the Student Union was where we crammed for exams, organized student events, and grabbed a bite between classes. But even back then, it felt outdated. It's always been the heart of campus, but now it's finally getting the investment it deserves," he said. He added, "UTEP is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the country, and its facilities should reflect that momentum. I'm proud to help bring to life a vision that is shaped by student voices that honors the past while building for the future. This new Union will be a hub for connection and Miner pride for years to come." The El Paso Times has reached out to UTEP officials for the timeline of the project. Officials said they do not have a construction schedule at this time. Rep. Vince Perez said, 'The student union facility was built shortly after World War II, and generations of UTEP students have walked its halls, studied in its spaces, and built lifelong memories there. At that time, UTEP was a small institution of just 3,000 students: today, it's a nationally recognized university with an enrollment exceeding 25,000. "This bill will deliver the modern, state-of-the-art facility our students need and deserve, supporting their success for generations to come. I'm honored that this was my first bill in the Texas House, and I'm proud to see it successfully through the legislative process. I'm also tremendously grateful to UTEP President Heather Wilson, whose tireless advocacy was instrumental in this bill's passage, and to Sen. Blanco, who skillfully shepherded it through the Senate," Perez added. UTEP Student Government Association President Edgar Loya said the UTEP Student Union was in dire need of an update. "I am so thankful for the support from our elected officials to make this happen, and especially the leadership from Sen. Blanco and Rep. Perez," Loya said. "We are glad that the Texas Legislature supported the outcome of our student vote to improve this important student resource." In September of 2024, the UTEP student body voted in favor of replacing Union West and renovating Union East. UTEP Miners asked for a more modern, accessible student-centered facility that would include the following: A new, modern, multipurpose Union West building, showcasing UTEP pride. Lounge, study and collaborative spaces with ample seating. Student organization work and meeting spaces. Space for a pool, ping-pong, and other tabletop games. Area for e-sports and PC gaming. New dining venue with healthy food options, accessible after hours. Space to host programs such as career fairs, speakers, comedy nights, open mic nights, poetry slams and karaoke. State-of-the-art technology and plenty of electrical outlets. Large ballroom for hosting events for 600-800 people. Shaded outdoor plaza area (between Union West and East) for live entertainment and other events. Sustainable features include solar panels, LED lighting, and water efficiency. More: UTEP discus thrower Esther Osisike breaks through to win a title María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@ @ on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: UTEP Student Union to be torn down, replaced with updated building
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas Senate OKs modernization of student union at UTEP
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Senate passed a bill that supports the expansion and modernization of the Student Union at the University of Texas at El Paso. House Bill 2853 was sponsored by Sen. Cesar J. Blanco, D-El Paso and authored by Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso. The bill raises the cap on the student union fee, last set in 1987, to help finance the demolition of the current facility and construction of a 'new, modern building better suited to meet the needs of UTEP's growing student population,' Blanco's office said. The student body voted to support the incremental fee increase in a campus-wide referendum in September 2024. Blanco issued the following statement: 'When I was a student at UTEP, the Student Union was where we crammed for exams, organized student events, and grabbed a bite between classes. But even back then, it felt outdated. It's always been the heart of campus, but now it's finally getting the investment it deserves. 'UTEP is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the country, and its facilities should reflect that momentum. I'm proud to help bring to life a vision that is shaped by student voices that honors the past while building for the future. This new Union will be a hub for connection and Miner pride for years to come.' Perez issued the following statement: 'The student union facility was built shortly after World War II, and generations of UTEP students have walked its halls, studied in its spaces, and built lifelong memories there. At that time, UTEP was a small institution of just 3,000 students; today, it's a nationally recognized university with an enrollment exceeding 25,000. This bill will deliver the modern, state-of-the-art facility our students need and deserve, supporting their success for generations to come. I'm honored that this was my first bill in the Texas House, and I'm proud to see it successfully through the legislative process. I'm also tremendously grateful to UTEP President Heather Wilson, whose tireless advocacy was instrumental in this bill's passage, and to Senator Blanco, who skillfully shepherded it through the Senate.' House Bill 2853 now heads back to the House for concurrence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at University of Tennessee file First Amendment suit
Two pro-Palestinian demonstrators who were arrested in 2024 on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus have filed a federal lawsuit saying their First Amendment rights were violated. Siblings Hasan Husain and Layla Soliz filed their joint lawsuit May 15 on the one-year anniversary of their arrests. The lawsuit was filed against the Tennessee Board of Regents, University of Tennessee trustees and UT System President Randy Boyd. The two were part of a group of 11 pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested and charged with trespassing after attending a pro-Palestine vigil at UT. Everyone faced the same single charge of criminal trespass and all were released without having to pay bail. The lawsuit centers on what the two assert are First Amendment violations against 'nonviolent community members who were not violating any laws.' They said the arrests were meant to intimidate demonstrators. 'The First Amendment does not allow campus officials to establish free-expression-black-out hours of the day, even on occasions that may be emotional or politically polarizing,' the suit says. First Amendment experts told Knox News last year that public officials can create reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on demonstrations that do not infringe on free speech as long as they are consistent and provide ample opportunities for expression UT leaders reserved the Student Union lawn for demonstrators from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., aligning the hours with the building's hours of operation during the school year, and maintained consistency with the hours of operation when they changed allowed times for demonstrations to 7 a.m.-6 p.m. when the Student Union switched to its summer hours on May 15, 2024. At about 8 p.m. May 15, 2024, demonstrators were warned to leave the lawn outside the College of Law by Allen Bolton, who was then UT's interim senior vice chancellor for finance and administration. He said demonstrators could move to the Student Union lawn, which was reserved for them. Bolton told the activists to leave the lawn of the law school within 10 minutes. When that deadline passed, police started arresting them. Courts have consistently upheld reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on demonstrations. Soliz partially settled a separate federal lawsuit she filed over her arrest at UT. In March, Soliz was awarded $71,500 by the Knox County Sheriff's Office after the department published online her mug shot without her hijab. Hijabs are worn by Muslim women for modesty and as a symbol of faith. They prevent men from outside a woman's family from seeing her hair. Soliz is pushing for KCSO to amend policy so women no longer have to remove their head coverings for future mug shots. Tyler Whetstone is an investigative reporter focused on accountability journalism. Connect with Tyler by emailing him at Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tyler_whetstone. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Protesters arrested at University of Tennessee file First Amendment lawsuit
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Katie Price shares reason she hated Loose Women and 'will never do it again'
Former glamour model Katie Price opened up about her time on the Loose Women panel from 2015 to 2018 and admitted she 'hated doing that show' Katie Price revealed the real reason she hated doing Loose Women as she confessed she will 'never do it again'. The former glamour model, 46, was a regular on the ITV daytime show between 2015 and 2018, but Katie said it was actually a tough time for her and admitted she 'didn't like' being on it. The Mucky Mansion star took part in a Q&A session at The University of Cambridge's Student Union, where she revealed she 'hid' her personal issues while appearing on the programme. She said: "I hated doing that show. The interesting thing about Loose Women, I presented on it for two years, believe it or not, and it was around the start and during my breakdown and no one knew. "I hid it very well on there. The only thing I didn't like about Loose Women was, you had these in-ears and you're told when you can speak, when you can't, or if someone is talking, 'Kate, don't interrupt, Kate don't say this, Kate don't say that', so it's quite hard." The star said everything was 'very different' behind the scenes of daytime television and insisted she would 'never, ever do it again'. However, she said she did have fun and 'got to meet a lot of people'. "I wasn't really well, but no one really knew, it was the start of my breakdown, horrible days," Katie explained. "But I liked the women I did it with, we had fun, but yeah, I wouldn't do that show again. "Maybe I should have my own presenting show, that's something I haven't done, but it would have to be late night because there's no filter with me." Katie has been open about her mental health struggles and previously revealed she suffered a mental breakdown after being robbed at gunpoint and sexually assaulted in South Africa in 2018 as well as being arrested on suspicion of drink driving after crashing her car. In her autobiography, she explained how she tried to suppress everything that happened in South Africa but it eventually got too much for her and she attempted to take her own life and ended up being treated for PTSD in the Priory. She wrote in her book: "My memory is a bit fuzzy with it all, if I'm honest. It happened so quickly, but at the time it seemed like it went on for ever. It was surreal. I kept thinking, 'Is this happening? Is this actually happening? Am I dreaming?' "I could make out two men, who I now know to be hijackers, trying to get into the other car, where the film crew were, while the rest of them were around our car."
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nobody wants your feeble prayers
Flowers, candles, and notes decorated the area around the Student Union at Florida State University days after two were killed and six were injured by a gunman on April 17, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Thoughts and prayers. On Thursday, April 17, a 20-year-old boy, a student, walked around FSU's sunny campus, firing a handgun. Two dead; six injured. The response from our elected leaders? The usual: 'Thoughts and prayers.' The governor of the State of Florida said he was 'praying,' adding, 'We are all Seminoles today.' First Lady Casey DeSantis: 'Praying.' Sen. Rick Scott: Also 'praying.' The president of the United States called the attack 'terrible, a shame,' then blew off any suggestion of gun control reform, saying he's a 'big advocate of the Second Amendment.' Maybe he missed the praying memo. I teach at FSU; and that Thursday afternoon, I was locked down in my office. It was frightening, yes; it was also horribly familiar. This is America: Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech, Columbine, Uvalde, Nashville, Parkland. The Tallahassee Democrat reported that several survivors of the 2018 Marjorie Stoneman Douglas shooting were on campus that day. Robbie Alhadeff's sister Alyssa died at MSD: 'Something has to change,' he said. Graduate student Stephanie Horowitz saw people running and knew instantly what was happening. Jason Leavy was a freshman at MSD when Nikolas Cruz murdered 17 people. He knew, too, and started barricading his classroom door. 'It's the least surprising thing in the world, honestly,' he said. Every one of those kids has been through multiple active shooter drills. Many faculty have, too. We are supposed to shove desks against our doors, turn off the lights, 'harden' our schools and churches and college campuses and act as though we're grateful when politicians express their insincere and frankly insulting 'sympathy.' Nobody wants their feeble prayers and, as for their thoughts, if the violence-loving reactionaries in charge of this state were actually capable of thoughts they'd realize things do not have to be this way. From the state Capitol to the U.S. Capitol, politicians shrug: Guns matter more than people; children, high school students, college students — they don't give the big money to political campaigns. The Second Amendment trumps all the others. We're supposed to accept there's nothing anyone can do: This is just the way things are. As The Onion's evergreen mass shooting headline goes, ''No Way to Prevent This,' Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens.' But the kids ain't all right; the kids are scared — and furious. Last Tuesday, a group of FSU students braved the morally noxious fumes of the Capitol to demand sensible gun control, red flag laws, firearm storage legislation — commonsense stuff like that. Madalyn Probst, president of the FSU College Democrats, said, 'The fact that they are able to sit in this place and prioritize weapons over my life, my friends' lives, and the lives of my community around me is deplorable.' Problem is, the grown folks in charge don't care. 'The fact that they are able to sit in this place and prioritize weapons over my life, my friends' lives, and the lives of my community around me is deplorable.' – Madalyn Probst, FSU College Democrats The Florida House has approved a bill allowing 18-year-olds to buy guns, repealing a law they passed after the murders at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School. We don't let them drink, but hell, they can get themselves a nice Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun — just like the one used to kill three and wound five at Michigan State University in 2023. Here at FSU, you can still see the mountains of flowers and teddy bears where the wounded and dead fell. Yet the governor — who has the emotional intelligence of a poison dart frog —continues to push what he calls 'Second Amendment Summer.' If you're buying a gun or ammo between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, you don't have to pay sales tax. Because we want more people packing heat. The FSU atrocity was Florida's sixth mass shooting and the 27th school shooting in the nation. This year. So far. The grown folks in charge are obsessed with 'protecting' children from fluoride and potentially life-saving vaccines. No letting them near books like 'And Tango Makes Three,' lest they want to become gay. No letting them discover trans people and queer people are real and deserving of dignity. They can't stand the thought of high schoolers reading Toni Morrison's 'Beloved' or 'The 1619 Project,' lest they learn about the horrors of slavery. They are terrified college students might study sociology, delve into political theories suggesting organizational models for the state that don't insist our version of rapacious capitalism is the best, or encounter books that challenge religious or cultural orthodoxies. As for sex, they don't even want to think about it — unless, of course, the teenaged daughter gets pregnant or the teenaged son gets an STD. They insist on shielding kids from a slew of normal human realities, but not gun violence. It's OK for young people to grow up knowing how to barricade themselves inside a classroom or learn strategies for evading a mass shooter but not appreciate poetry or play a musical instrument or master a foreign language. It's OK for them to live scared of that loner kid or that angry-looking guy or some person they can't see, someone who wants to spill as much blood as possible. The freedom to get a gun any time for any reason is more important. So, we have Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech, Columbine, Uvalde, Nashville, Parkland, and now FSU. One of my students reminded me there was supposed to be a 'United Against Hate' symposium in honor of Maura Binkley on April 17. Maura Binkley was the student shot and killed at a yoga studio in 2018 along with another woman. The symposium was to promote campus safety, but it had to be canceled. The FSU building where it should have taken place was a crime scene. Maura Binkley was murdered by a guy who hated women. The young man who allegedly walked around campus shooting his classmates hates people of color — he's a Trump supporter and a white supremacist. He told a fellow student Black people were ruining his neighborhood. The United States government manufactures hatred against anyone who's not a white Christian, embracing violence against its citizens. Nowhere is safe. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
