Skip to Main Content
Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

All content by Catharine Li
UT students Amy DonJuan, ArcAngel Lopez and Kiana Simpson stand for a picture with state Rep. Janie Lopez on April 22, 2025.

Latinx organizations, supporters advocate on behalf of undocumented students at state Capitol

Isaiah Williams and Catharine Li April 23, 2025

Abigail Holguin, a government and Mexican American studies junior, reads from a piece of paper to a staffer in state Rep. John Lujan’s office. Speaking the words written by a friend, who is an undocumented...

The UT Tower, viewed from the San Antonio Parking Garage on Feb. 4, 2025.

Texas American Association of University Professors calls on University to address action taken against international students’ visa statuses

Catharine Li , Senior News Reporter April 23, 2025

Editor’s note: Individuals from the AAUP chapter at UT Austin quoted in the article are speaking independently and not on behalf of the University.  In a letter sent to UT administrators on April...

The UT Tower, viewed from the Main Mall, on Feb. 4, 2025.

Mandatory registration requirement now in effect for some non-citizens, including students

Catharine Li , Senior News Reporter April 22, 2025

A federal immigration registration requirement effective April 11 directs all non-citizens 14 years or older to share personal and immigration history information and be fingerprinted if they are staying...

Los defensores de Austin presionan por mayor apoya y financiación para comunidades inmigrantes tras cambios en políticas federales de imigración

Los defensores de Austin presionan por mayor apoya y financiación para comunidades inmigrantes tras cambios en políticas federales de imigración

Catharine Li and Diana Villagomez April 18, 2025

Nota del editor: Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 17 de abril de 2025 por Catharine Li y fue traducido al español por Diana Villagomez. Mientras Austin continúa su proceso del borrador...

Underpaid@ut members walk down speedway while holding up banner on April 8, 2025. From left, Deepesh V., Evan Scope Crafts, John and Ael Miller-Figueroa.

Graduate students fighting for higher pay, worker protections reflect on changing organization priorities following week of action

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter April 18, 2025

Following a week of action calling for higher graduate student pay and worker protections, a coalition of graduate students is reflecting on its organizing approach — one they say is collaborative but...

Students walk down speedway during start-of-semester tabling on Aug. 22, 2023.

‘Existence is resistance’: Undocumented students respond to state, federal policy changes

Catharine Li and Naina Srivastava April 18, 2025

The day after the 2024 presidential election, an undocumented UT student, who will further be referred to as Jane, woke up and cried. She knew what Donald Trump had promised with a second term: sweeping...

University of Texas System Building on July 13, 2024.

Más de 170 estudiantes internacionales del Sistema de UT han sido afectados por cambios en su estatus migratorio, confirman autoridades

Catharine Li  and Isabela Ocampo April 17, 2025

Nota del editor: Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 15 de Abril de 2025 por Catharine Li y fue traducido al español por Isabela Ocampo. Más de 170 estudiantes internacionales en las...

Austin advocates push for increased support, funding for immigrant communities following changes to federal immigration policies

Austin advocates push for increased support, funding for immigrant communities following changes to federal immigration policies

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter April 16, 2025

As Austin continues its budget drafting process for the 2025-26 funding year, community advocates are pushing city leaders to allocate more money towards supporting immigrant communities, including...

Over 170 international students across UT System impacted by visa status change, officials confirm

Over 170 international students across UT System impacted by visa status change, officials confirm

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter April 15, 2025

More than 170 international students across the UT System schools faced the “revocation of student visas or immigration status changes” as of last Friday, a UT System official confirmed Monday.  In...

West Campus on Jan. 26, 2023.

Arrests in West Campus prompts University, community to call for increased public safety

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter April 14, 2025

After the same individual was arrested in West Campus three times last week, community members are calling on the University to increase public safety measures in the neighborhood.  The Austin...

Pro bono legal initiatives on campus help advocate for immigrant rights

Pro bono legal initiatives on campus help advocate for immigrant rights

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter April 14, 2025

As a child, Sasha Mendoza remembers translating documents from English to Spanish for her mother. Whether at school or during appointments, Mendoza said she always stepped into that role.  Now,...

UT Tower on Feb. 4, 2025.

US immigration officials to begin monitoring non-citizen social media for ‘antisemitic activity’

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter April 10, 2025

Federal immigration enforcement will begin screening non-citizens’ social media accounts for “antisemitic activity” as grounds for denying visa and green card applications, according to an April...

The UT Tower, seen from the reflection in a window in the CMB, on Feb. 3, 2025.

Visa statuses changed for multiple international students, University confirms

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter April 9, 2025

Editor's note: On April 4, The Associated Press reported that two UT Austin graduates, who remained in the U.S. to work as permitted by their student visas, had their student visas revoked. The Texan has...

The Travis County Sheriff's Office on April 4, 2025.

Bill requiring local sheriffs to work with federal immigration authorities advances through Texas Legislature

Catharine Li , Senior News Reporter April 7, 2025

Texas sheriffs of counties with more than 100,000 residents would be required to enter agreements with federal immigration authorities under Texas Senate Bill 8, which passed the Senate on April 1.  The...

The Texas Capitol is pictured on Jan. 15, 2025.

First Amendment, immigration law experts affirm constitutional rights of international students despite increasing surveillance

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter April 3, 2025

Under a Trump administration executive order intended to combat antisemitism, the federal government directed agencies to assist in the creation of mechanisms by March 30 to monitor and report on the activities...

Federal environmental deregulation policy poses consequences for Austin light rail project

Federal environmental deregulation policy poses consequences for Austin light rail project

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter April 3, 2025

President Donald Trump rescinded major environmental regulations in a new federal rule effective April 11, changing environmental compliance for major infrastructure projects in Austin such as the Austin...

Students in the Palestine Solidarity committee chant in protest of the Israel Block Party on April 2, 2025.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators protest annual Texas Hillel Israel Block Party

Diego Hernandez and Catharine Li April 3, 2025

At least 40 people, including students, faculty and community members, gathered at the intersection of Speedway and 21st Street on Wednesday to protest against the 25th Annual Israel Block Party, which...

The University of Texas Police Department is pictured on the corner of 24 and Nueces St. on Sept. 16, 2024.

Researchers affirm role of transparent communication to improve police, community relationships

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter  March 24, 2025

When a police officer approaches a civilian, the first few words determine the number of ways the interaction can proceed, said Kyle S.H. Dobson, assistant professor of public policy and psychology at...

Participants of the rally for women's and LGBTQ+ rights embracing each other at the Texas Capitol on Mar. 8, 2024.

‘We’re all here for the same reason’: Protesters rally at Texas Capitol to recognize International Women’s Day

Daniela Capistran and Catharine Li March 9, 2025

Hundreds of people gathered at the Texas Capitol on Saturday in observance of International Women’s Day, calling for the protection of reproductive rights and an end to discrimination and sexual violence...

City leaders, community members discuss impact of Austin light rail on environment

City leaders, community members discuss impact of Austin light rail on environment

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter March 7, 2025

City commissioners discussed the potential impacts of constructing and maintaining phase one of the Austin light rail in a March 5 meeting, with a focus on the environment and historically underserved...

Department of Education halts investigations on race, gender-based discrimination complaints

Department of Education halts investigations on race, gender-based discrimination complaints

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter March 7, 2025

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights can no longer process complaints alleging race or gender-based discrimination, according to an internal memo from the U.S. Department of Education...

The Daily Texan’s guide to the 89th Legislative Session:‘What do you tackle more urgently?’: UT students share policy priorities for 2025 Texas Legislative Session

The Daily Texan’s guide to the 89th Legislative Session:‘What do you tackle more urgently?’: UT students share policy priorities for 2025 Texas Legislative Session

Catharine Li and Isaiah Williams March 4, 2025

Since Jan. 14, the Texas Legislature has organized the 89th Legislative Session to pass bills and discuss policy areas impacting the lives of every Texas resident, including UT students.  The Texas...

Julian Munevar Nino (Left) and Silvana Quenaya (Right) the President and Vice President of UT Juntos pose for a portrait on Feb. 13, 2025.

‘Celebremos quienes somos’: las organizaciones estudiantiles de UT apoyan a las comunidades de inmigrantes de la ciudad en el campus

Catharine Li and Priscilla Durling February 23, 2025

Nota del editor: Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 21 de Febrero de 2025 por Catharine Li y fue traducido al español por Priscilla Durling. Un mes después del regreso del presidente...

Julian Munevar Nino (Left) and Silvana Quenaya (Right) the President and Vice President of UT Juntos pose for a portrait on Feb. 13, 2025.

‘Celebrate who we are’: UT student organizations supports campus, city immigrant communities

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter February 21, 2025

One month following President Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office, student responses to federal and state immigration enforcement policies highlight a renewed sense of collaboration. Advocating...

Protesters gathered for a pro-Palestine rally and march in Austin, Texas on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.

‘Gaza is not for sale’: Palestine Solidarity Committee holds protest against Trump’s Gaza resettlement plan

Isaiah Williams and Catharine Li February 17, 2025

Around 200 people gathered at the Texas Capitol on Sunday to protest President Donald Trump’s proposal to resettle Palestinians in Gaza following the ceasefire deal struck between Israel and Hamas on...

The UT tower on Feb. 3, 2025.

Lo que debes saber: Cumplimiento de UT con las operaciones de aplicación de leyes de inmigración federales y estatales

Catharine Li and Pili Saravia February 16, 2025

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 13 de Febrero por Catharine Li y fue traducido al español por Pili Saravia. Como universidad pública, UT debe de cumplir con regulaciones...

A speaker rallies the crowd during the Austin Students for a Democratic Society protest at Littlefield Fountain on Feb. 12, 2025.

Estudiantes de Austin por una Sociedad Democrática organizan protesta contra las federales políticas de inmigración

Nota del Editor: Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 12 de Febrero por Catharine Li y Diego Hernandez y fue traducido al Español por Avilenne Perez-Benitez.  Alrededor de 150 estudiantes...

Austin City Hall on Sept. 12, 2023.

Líderes de la ciudad y fuerzas del orden responden a las actividades de aplicación de la ley de inmigración federal en Austin

Catharine Li and Valentina Avendaño Figueroa February 15, 2025

Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 13 de febrero de 2025 por Catharine Li y fue traducido a español por Valentina Avendaño Figueroa. Los líderes de la ciudad de Austin han reafirmado...

Austin City Hall on Sept. 12, 2023.

City leaders, law enforcement respond to federal immigration enforcement activities in Austin

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter February 14, 2025

Austin city leaders have affirmed their support for immigrant communities in response to a series of executive actions on immigration issued during President Donald Trump’s first weeks in office. Texas...

The UT tower on Feb. 3, 2025.

What to know: UT compliance with federal, state immigration enforcement operations 

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter  February 14, 2025

As a public university, UT must comply with federal regulations and a Jan. 29 state directive requiring all Texas state agencies and local law enforcement to assist in federal immigration enforcement...

La coalición de estudiantes de posgrado de UT lanza una nueva campaña para aumentar el salario y proteger los empleos

La coalición de estudiantes de posgrado de UT lanza una nueva campaña para aumentar el salario y proteger los empleos

Catharine Li and Dieter Mouchkatine February 13, 2025

Nota del editor: este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 10 de febrero del 2025 por Catharine Li y fue traducido al español por Dieter Mouchkatine. Para una coalición de estudiantes de posgrado...

A speaker rallies the crowd during the Austin Students for a Democratic Society protest at Littlefield Fountain on Feb. 12, 2025.

Austin Students for a Democratic Society organizes protest against federal immigration policies

Catharine Li and Diego Hernandez February 13, 2025

Around 150 students and community members gathered at Littlefield Fountain to protest the immigration enforcement policies of President Donald Trump on Wednesday.  Austin Students for a Democratic...

UT graduate student coalition launches new campaign to raise pay, protect jobs

UT graduate student coalition launches new campaign to raise pay, protect jobs

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter February 11, 2025

For a coalition of graduate students in the College of Liberal Arts, fighting for a living wage and just working conditions is a “marathon, not a sprint.”  A group of graduate students known...

The U.S. Capitol on Jan. 17, 2025, decorated for the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump.

Orden ejecutiva de Trump prohíbe a mujeres transgénero en programas deportivos

Catharine Li and Diana Villagomez February 7, 2025

Nota del editor: Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 5 de febrero del 2025 por Catharine Li y fue traducido al español por Diana Villagomez. El presidente Donald Trump firmó una orden...

The U.S. Capitol on Jan. 17, 2025, decorated for the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump.

Trump executive order prohibits transgender women in sports programs

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter February 5, 2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports and committed to “rescind(ing) all funds” from educational...

‘Understand the science’: the environmental, health benefits of campus tree coverage

‘Understand the science’: the environmental, health benefits of campus tree coverage

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter February 4, 2025

One team is responsible for over 5,000 trees growing on University grounds — almost all of which are accounted for on a database calculating the trees’ cumulative benefits to the environment and human...

2014-11-06_Greg_Abbott_Marshall_Tidrick28368

Gov. Greg Abbott issues executive order for state agencies to support federal immigration, deportation operations

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter February 1, 2025

Gov. Greg Abbott issued five executive orders on Jan. 29 directing state agencies to assist federal immigration operations to “investigate, apprehend, detain and deport” undocumented migrants within...

UT climate researchers, policy experts anticipate effects of Trump's environmental policies

UT climate researchers, policy experts anticipate effects of Trump’s environmental policies

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter January 28, 2025

Hours after President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, he signed 26 executive orders, including four directives following through on the administration’s stated commitment to cut back on renewable...

Texas Groundwater Protection Committee calls on state Legislature to conserve statewide groundwater resources

Texas Groundwater Protection Committee calls on state Legislature to conserve statewide groundwater resources

Catharine Li , Senior News Reporter  January 24, 2025

  The Texas Groundwater Protection Committee released its biennial report to the state Legislature this month calling to establish a statewide fund to plug abandoned water wells. Groundwater,...

West Campus on Jan. 26, 2023.

City planners, housing advocates evaluate University Neighborhood Overlay’s success, challenges

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter January 20, 2025

A Jan. 2 report analyzed the success of the 15 active density bonus programs in Austin, including the University Neighborhood Overlay program used in areas like West Campus, which promotes high-density...

Austinite Antwon Williams walks down the Cesar Chavez Street promenade, which overlooks Lady Bird Lake, on his way to work.

Revisiting the ‘Great Streets’ program: Austin’s blueprint for pedestrian-oriented urban design

Catharine Li, Senior News Reporter January 15, 2025

Project designers discussed how the Great Streets Master Plan — intended to transform downtown Austin with “streets for people” — continues to progress 25 years after its adoption.  Originating...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education are collaborating to send annual emails to low-income college students to inform them of potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the departments announced on Nov. 7.

US Department of Agriculture, Department of Education partner to combat food insecurity for college-aged students through improved SNAP program outreach

Catharine Li, General News Reporter November 22, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education are collaborating to send annual emails to low-income college students to inform them of potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition...

Dell Medical School, Steve Hicks School of Social Work assist court-led youth diversion program in Travis County

Dell Medical School, Steve Hicks School of Social Work assist court-led youth diversion program in Travis County

Catharine Li, General News Reporter November 18, 2024

Travis County increased funding on Oct. 29 for a court-led diversion program providing mental health support and mentorship to youth to reduce the likelihood of repeated exposure to the justice system.  A...

Engineering student establishes first UT organization for Azerbaijani cultural awareness, community building

Engineering student establishes first UT organization for Azerbaijani cultural awareness, community building

Catharine Li, General News Reporter November 11, 2024

When engineering junior Jovdat Rahimli left his home country to attend UT, he realized he was one of only 10 other students on campus from Azerbaijan, a small country near Turkey. To bring the small community...

In a media landscape where audiences increasingly choose what they consume, reliable, fact-based news media can help shape civic behaviors and electoral participation. This was first published on Nov. 1, 2024.

Digital generation: How young people engage with political news media, participate in civic spaces 

Catharine Li, General Projects Reporter November 2, 2024

The rise of digital platforms has transformed how young people access and engage with news media. In a media landscape where audiences increasingly choose what they consume, reliable, fact-based news media...

Derek Hernandez watches for Bus 18 at the stop at the corner of Martin Luther King and San Jacinto boulevards on Oct. 31, 2024. This stop is one of many without a roof or seating.

Lack of benches, shelters at CapMetro bus stops pose safety concerns for students

Catharine Li, General News Reporter November 1, 2024

CapMetro is continuing community engagement efforts through the spring on Transit Plan 2035, a 10-year strategic plan for enhanced public transportation infrastructure in Central Texas. The preliminary...

The construction of new high-rises visible from the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood on Oct. 10, 2024.

Mixed-use development in West Campus, South, East Austin sheds light on Austin’s growth strategy

Catharine Li, General News Reporter October 25, 2024

Austin City Council approved 29 total mixed-use developments as of Oct. 17. Twenty-eight developments still under consideration in South and East Austin, as well as West Campus, will combine residential,...

As Texas starts early voting, some UT students are choosing to cast an absentee ballot by mail. This was originally published on Oct. 21, 2024.

UT students navigate absentee voting process, weighing in on local issues

Catharine Li, General News Reporter October 21, 2024

As Texas starts early voting on Monday, some UT students are choosing to cast an absentee ballot by mail. Many want to weigh in on local issues ranging from state legislative races to local propositions.  Adithi...

UT research team contributes to City of Austin’s clean energy plan, combining engineering and policy

UT research team contributes to City of Austin’s clean energy plan, combining engineering and policy

Catharine Li, General News Reporter October 8, 2024

A research team within the LBJ School of Public Affairs and Cockrell School of Engineering partnered with Austin Energy to develop plans to reach the city’s sustainable energy goals. The Austin City...

UT researchers awarded $5M grant supporting carbon capture, storage on Gulf Coast

UT researchers awarded $5M grant supporting carbon capture, storage on Gulf Coast

Catharine Li, General News Reporter October 2, 2024

A group of Jackson School of Geosciences researchers received a $5 million grant from the Department of Energy to advance carbon capture and storage infrastructure along the Gulf Coast.  The group’s...

International students, who make up 9.6% of the student population, are unable to vote in federal, state and local elections. However, some participate in campus political conversations. This illustration was published on Sept. 26, 2024.

Los estudiantes internacionales aportan una perspectiva comparativa al compromiso cívico

Catharine Li and Anirudh Karunakaran September 28, 2024

Nota del editor: Este artículo se publicó por primera vez el 27 de septiembre de 2024 por Catharine Li y fue traducido al español por Anirudh Karunakaran. Los estudiantes internacionales, que...

International students, who make up 9.6% of the student population, are unable to vote in federal, state and local elections. However, some participate in campus political conversations. This illustration was published on Sept. 26, 2024.

International students bring comparative perspective to civic engagement

Catharine Li, General News Reporter September 27, 2024

International students, who make up 9.6% of the student population, are unable to vote in federal, state and local elections. However, some participate in campus political conversations.  According...

Activate Search
Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin