The Daily Texan

All content by Ava Saunders

Editor-in-chief clocks out early, no one surprised

Ava Saunders, Editor-in-chief • April 23, 2026

Editor-in-chief Ava Saunders reflects on the past year.

‘Controversial topics’ are newest victim in Texas’ war on free speech

Ava Saunders, Editor-in-Chief • February 19, 2026

Editor-in-chief warns legislative overreach continues to extend, this time into classroom discussion.

Polarización política en el campus

Ava Saunders and Ariana Miranda • November 17, 2025

Nota de editor: Este articulo se publicó por primera vez el 30 de octubre de 2025 por Ava Saunders, y fue traducido por Ariana Miranda el 1 de noviembre del 2025. A medida que las instituciones construidas...

‘There’s a reason it’s here,’ Students reflect on political polarization at UT

Joseph Sweeney and Ava Saunders • October 31, 2025

According to a 2023 report by the Pew Research Center, 79% of Americans express negative sentiments about US politics, and 84% say political debate has become less respectful in the past few years. These...

Political polarization on campus

Ava Saunders, Editor-in-Chief • October 30, 2025

Students reflect on their experiences with political polarization at UT and their hopes for the future of political discourse.

The Daily Texan — and journalism — is for everyone

Ava Saunders, Editor-in-Chief Candidate • February 25, 2025

Editor-in-chief candidate Ava Saunders argues that the opinion department must provide a voice for all members of the UT community.

UT has a free speech problem

Ava Saunders, Associate Opinion Editor • September 17, 2024

Associate opinion editor Ava Saunders urges UT to prioritize Free Speech for its students.

Abbott’s executive order puts student healthcare at risk

Ava Saunders, Associate Opinion Editor • September 13, 2024

Associate opinion editor Ava Saunders discusses the harmful impacts of Abbott’s Aug. 8 executive order on UT’s immigrant community.

Keep Austin dirty

Ava Saunders, Associate Opinion Editor • September 5, 2024

Associate opinion editor Ava Saunders argues that preventing cultural gentrification is necessary to preserve UT’s student experience.

Don’t count Texas out

Ava Saunders, Associate Opinion Editor • June 25, 2024

Associate opinion editor Ava Saunders argues that students should vote in the upcoming presidential election as Texas may become competitive.

Cultural graduation ceremonies are still valuable

Ava Saunders, Associate Opinion Editor • June 10, 2024

Associate opinion editor Ava Saunders asks students to preserve identity-centric graduations.

UT’s newest school politicizes higher education

Ava Saunders, Senior Columnist • April 25, 2024

Senior Columnist Ava Saunders argues creation of the School of Civic Leadership is Texas lawmakers’ latest attack on higher education.

UT, pay your workers a livable wage

Ava Saunders, Senior Columnist • April 22, 2024

Senior Columnist Ava Saunders urges UT to raise workers’ pay amidst rising costs of living.

Abbott’s executive order is unconstitutional

Ava Saunders, Senior Columnist • April 8, 2024

Senior columnist Ava Saunders argues Governor Abbott’s recent executive order threatens free speech on campus.

Social responsibility should be considered when investing

Ava Saunders, Senior Columnist • April 4, 2024

Senior columnist Ava Saunders urges UTIMCO to invest sustainably and morally.

La cancelación del referéndum del ‘The Eyes of Texas’ muestra que la administración prioriza la tradición sobre el bienestar de los estudiantes

Ava Saunders and Hannah Garza • April 3, 2024

Nota del editor: Esta columna de opinión se publicó por primera vez el 1 de abril por Ava Saunders y fue traducida al español por Hannah Garza. El debate en curso de UT sobre "The Eyes of Texas"...