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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 Meghan Nguyen
Nguyen_30Spring2020

5 semesters later, staffer emerges from basement relatively unscathed

Meghan Nguyen May 8, 2020

Let me begin by saying that these past five semesters working in this basement have been … cathartic. I’ve made playlists for people I’ve met in here. Watched my Tupperware rotate in...

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UTPD uses Mobile Field Force, de-escalation to prepare for civil disorder, public safety emergencies

Meghan Nguyen January 30, 2019

Last fall was marked by multiple student protests, including the Young Conservatives of Texas tabling on West Mall and Turning Point USA’s debate with Charlie Kirk.  In the case protests...

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Kendrex White found not guilty by reason of insanity for 2017 on-campus stabbing

Meghan Nguyen December 11, 2018

Editor's note: This story has been updated with statements from UT President Gregory Fenves and Lori Brown, Harrison Brown's mother. State District Judge Tamara Needles has found Kendrex...

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Timeline: Here’s what we know so far in the upcoming Harrison Brown murder case

Meghan Nguyen December 10, 2018

The following timeline is the series of events leading up to the upcoming trial of Kendrex White, who was indicted after a May 2017 stabbing attack left freshman Harrison Brown dead and three other students...

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As the semester comes to a close, here’s a look back at some of the top stories from this fall

Katie Balevic, Raga Justin, Meghan Nguyen, and Savana Dunning December 10, 2018

YCT Kavanaugh protest Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed after testifying against sexual assault allegations from former high school classmate Christine Blasey Ford, among others. UT’s...

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‘An adventure every day’: A day in the life of District Representative Dustin Farahnak

Meghan Nguyen December 6, 2018

Officer Dustin Farahnak used to spend countless nights studying on the UT campus as a law student. Now, as a district representative for the UT Police Department, Farahnak is in charge of keeping students...

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UTPD Chaplain Program provides support to officers and general public in face of crises

Meghan Nguyen November 29, 2018

Reverend Ricky Poe has dedicated his life to serving others, beginning in 1986 when he became a chaplain in Pasadena, Texas, and through his time as a youth pastor at Promiseland Church. He now continues...

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Student arrested, charged with perjury in regard to alleged kidnapping

Meghan Nguyen November 28, 2018

Update (Friday 3:33 p.m.): A University of Texas student was arrested Thursday and charged with perjury and providing false information to a police officer.  Chemical engineering sophomore...

Department of Education proposes overhaul to campus sexual misconduct rules

Meghan Nguyen November 16, 2018

The Department of Education released a proposal Friday that would narrow the number of sexual assault cases schools must investigate and give the accused more rights. Under the proposal, schools would...

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UT Police Department debuts new therapy dog for dispatchers, staff and students

Meghan Nguyen November 15, 2018

After an influx of calls related to the May 2017 on-campus stabbing came in, UT Police Department dispatchers found it difficult to cope with the stress of their jobs. Because of this, UTPD dispatch supervisor...

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APD aims to reduce misdemeanor arrests with cite-and-release reform

Meghan Nguyen November 14, 2018

More people accused of misdemeanor-level crimes may be eligible for a citation rather than an arrest after the Austin Police Department made changes to its cite-and-release policy Nov. 1. Under the...

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UTPD investigating suspicious package near Sid Richardson Hall

Meghan Nguyen November 8, 2018

Update 11 a.m.: The suspicious item found near Sid Richardson Hall has been deemed not to be a threat by UTPD, according to a campus-wide email alert send to students. The item was removed by...

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Case of UT stabbing suspect Kendrex White will be heard without jury

Meghan Nguyen November 8, 2018

Prosecutors and defense lawyers for Kendrex White agreed Wednesday to set the case for a trial by court without the assistance of a jury, according to the Austin-American Statesman. Though a specific date...

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“No Cookie Cutter Approach”: How UT responds to stalking on campus

Meghan Nguyen November 5, 2018

UT students in stalking and domestic violence situations can utilize protections offered by the University, such as rape aggression defense classes, no-contact orders and more. On Oct. 22, a University...

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Lawsuit against University House ends with $4,500 settlement

Meghan Nguyen November 5, 2018

Editor’s note: Rylan Maksoud is a member of the Texas Student Media board.  Update: Following the trial, University House released a statement that said the complex filled all of its...

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Community gathers for vigil honoring Nicky Cumberland’s life

Meghan Nguyen November 2, 2018

Nicholas Cumberland, radio-television-film and finance junior, spent his nights studying at the Perry-Castañeda Library. However, without fail, Cumberland would leave at 9 p.m. to listen to the...

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A year later, UTPD expands use of body cameras

Meghan Nguyen November 1, 2018

The UT Police Department has given 20 more body cameras to its officers since last year, and dashboard cameras have been added to every patrol car.  In 2017, UTPD initially purchased 80 body cameras...

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UT-Austin student Nicky Cumberland dies after four weeks on life support

Meghan Nguyen October 31, 2018

Update (5:10 p.m.): The vigil for Nicky Cumberland has changed locations. It will now be held at Gregory Plaza at 7:30 p.m. Original story: Business honors, finance and radio-television-film...

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Title IX reports spike during 2017–18 academic year

Meghan Nguyen October 26, 2018

The University of Texas at Austin’s Title IX Office received 508 total reports of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sex discrimination during the 2017–18 academic year, up from 445 reports...

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Boil notice could last a couple days or 10 to 14

Meghan Nguyen and Katie Balevic October 24, 2018

Austin Mayor Steve Adler said Tuesday the water boil notice would only last a “handful of days,” in contradiction with earlier reports that the notice could last 10 to 14 days. In response,...

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City of Austin boil water notice continues, UT responds

Meghan Nguyen and Katie Balevic October 23, 2018

The City of Austin issued a boil water notice Monday following recent flooding, telling residents to boil water before using it for drinking, cooking or making ice.  “The notice is being...

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APD, AFD respond to chemical vapors at Crest at Pearl apartments

Meghan Nguyen October 22, 2018

The Austin Fire Department and Austin Police Department responded 3:30 p.m. Monday to a chemical smell on the second floor of the Crest at Pearl apartments.  Residents were advised to stay in place...

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Austin makes boil notice mandatory after contamination exceeds state standards

Megan Menchaca, Meghan Nguyen, and Katie Balevic October 22, 2018

Update (Thursday 1:56 p.m.):  Mayor Steve Adler has issued a disaster declaration for the City of Austin for the next seven days. This follows similar recent declarations by the City’s...

Clery report shows uptick in drug abuse violations

Meghan Nguyen October 18, 2018

UT’s annual Security and Fire Safety Report recorded a 32 percent increase in the number of drug arrests and a 29 percent increase in the number of disciplinary referrals from 2016 to 2017. An...

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Austin Sobering Center serves hundreds since August opening

Meghan Nguyen October 12, 2018

The UT Police Department has booked more than 20 students for public intoxication in the past year. The Austin Sobering Center has been open for more than a month now hoping to lessen that figure, serving...

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Number of sex crimes remain high at UT-Austin, per annual Clery report

Meghan Nguyen October 5, 2018

Last year, there were 20 total sexual assault reports disclosed by UT, the same number as the year before, according to the most recent Annual Security and Fire Safety report. The report presents crime...

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Student reports assault on Guadalupe, APD, UTPD investigating

Meghan Nguyen October 5, 2018

The UT Police Department is assisting the Austin Police Department in an investigation involving a UT student who reported assault by contact at 9:30 p.m. Thursday. According to a campus-wide safety...

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Meechaiel Criner denied new trial by Travis County judge

Meghan Nguyen October 2, 2018

A Travis County District judge denied a motion for a new trial today for Meechaiel Criner, who was found guilty less than two months ago of the capital murder of dance freshman Haruka Weiser. In July,...

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One UT-Austin student on life support, five others injured in Sunday car accident

Meghan Nguyen October 2, 2018

Update (Oct. 3):  Business honors, finance and radio-television-film junior Nicholas Cumberland is still on life support after a car accident in Waco on Sunday morning. Cumberland is a member of...

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UT Admissions does not discriminate against students with criminal record

Meghan Nguyen September 27, 2018

In light of a movement pushing employers to “ban the box” regarding prior criminal history questions on job applications, the U.S. Senate launched a similar effort to ban similar questions...

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Trial set for Texas volleyball player charged with DWI

Meghan Nguyen September 26, 2018

A jury trial date has been set for Texas volleyball player Micaya White, who was arrested in March 2017 for driving while intoxicated on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. White, a psychology junior,...

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University of Texas police, business contracts looking into new emergency app

Meghan Nguyen September 21, 2018

Like many students, biology senior Faith Simon has had her fair share of late nights walking across campus alone.  “My freshman year, I lived in Kinsolving while all of my friends lived in...

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UTPD Sexual Assault Investigation Specialists focus on supporting assault victims

Meghan Nguyen September 18, 2018

To improve support for sexual assault victims, UTPD’s Sexual Assault Investigation Specialists undergo training to take a more empathetic and understanding approach in helping survivors get through...

UTPD, Title IX offer reporting guides for sexual assault

Meghan Nguyen September 14, 2018

The University of Texas Police Department published a sexual assault reporting guide Monday afternoon outlining procedures to follow and authorities to contact in the case of a sexual assault.  The...

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Austin City Council re-evaluates homelessness ordinance after federal appeals court ruling

Meghan Nguyen September 14, 2018

The City of Austin is evaluating a recent opinion from the federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that prosecuting people for sleeping on the streets is unconstitutional because it amounts to...

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Student Government, PTS planning to bring back Food for Fines program

Meghan Nguyen September 13, 2018

Student Government is planning to partner with Parking and Transportation Services to bring back the Food for Fines program this fall, which involves collecting 40-ounce plastic jars of peanut butter to...

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Defense presents new forensic evidence in Criner hearing

Meghan Nguyen September 13, 2018

Less than two months after he was found guilty of capital murder of dance freshman Haruka Weiser, Meechaiel Criner appeared in court Wednesday as his attorneys asked the judge for a new trial. Defense...

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University of Texas Police clarifies emergency notification protocols following reports of stabbing near campus

Meghan Nguyen and Megan Menchaca September 12, 2018

After facing criticism from students for not sending out a University-wide text alert after reports of a stabbing near campus, UTPD Chief David Carter clarified UTPD’s emergency notification protocols...

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Meechaiel Criner’s lawyers requesting new trial amid allegations of jury misconduct

Meghan Nguyen and Megan Menchaca September 11, 2018

Update (9:26 p.m.): Criner’s attorneys said they discovered new evidence from Criner’s laptop after the verdict which shows Criner is not guilty, according to KXAN. His attorneys also said...

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UT Police clarifies why alert text wasn’t sent following reports of stabbing near campus Monday

Meghan Nguyen and Megan Menchaca September 11, 2018

After facing criticism from students for not sending out a University-wide text alert after reports of a stabbing near campus, UTPD Chief David Carter clarified UTPD’s emergency notification...

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UTPD rolls out new reporting guide for sexual assault

Meghan Nguyen September 11, 2018

The University of Texas Police Department published a sexual assault reporting guide Monday afternoon, outlining procedures to follow and authorities to contact in the case of a sexual assault. The Title...

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UT Police responds to stabbing near Duren Dormitory

Meghan Nguyen and Megan Menchaca September 11, 2018

Update (12:04 a.m.): According to a new tweet by UTPD, the suspect was a white male. He has been detained by Austin Police. The black male was involved in the fight but did not have a knife. He was...

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Student reports sexual assault at Jester East

Meghan Nguyen September 8, 2018

A UT student reported a sexual assault that took place around 1 a.m. Saturday morning, according to the University of Texas Police Department. UTPD was called at 4:20 a.m. to Jester East Residence Hall...

UT prepares for first home football game amidst bad weather forecast

Meghan Nguyen September 7, 2018

As the Longhorns hit the field for their first home football game this Saturday, Texas Athletics will be working closely with Parking and Transportation Services and the UT Police Department to prepare...

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Duren, Jester Residence Halls among worst areas of campus for bike thefts at UT-Austin

Meghan Nguyen September 5, 2018

At least 11 bikes were stolen in the first week of this semester, according to the University of Texas Police Department.  UTPD has two programs are designed to deter thieves and encourage people...

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New rooftop weather station hopes to help UT Austin students stay safe during football season

Meghan Nguyen August 30, 2018

Instead of relying on data from weather stations miles away, UT meteorologists can now predict inclement weather right on campus with the help of a new rooftop weather station on top of the UT Police Department’s...

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New Sobering Center offers intoxicated people alternative to emergency room, jail

Meghan Nguyen August 27, 2018

After more than a decade of planning, Austin’s new Sobering Center opened its doors Thursday as an alternative to jail and emergency room sobering. Instead of facing punitive measures, such as a...

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West Campus ‘sex trafficking’ rumors false, UTPD confirms flyers are from legitimate casting company

Meghan Nguyen August 21, 2018

After a tweet with over 3,200 likes and retweets about suspected sex trafficking flyers in West Campus raised alarm over the weekend, the UT Police Department said the rumors were unfounded. The bright...

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Texas Political Union discusses ethics of doctor-assisted suicide

Meghan Nguyen May 2, 2018

With a resounding bang of a gavel, the Texas Political Union commenced its last debate of the semester. On Tuesday, the nonpartisan discussion group held an open debate about physician-assisted...

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‘Breakthrough the Narrative’ illuminates complexities of Asian-, Pacific Islander-American experience through slam poetry

Meghan Nguyen April 25, 2018

Paul Tran, an acclaimed Vietnamese-American poet, faced their audience in the Student Activities Center auditorium with confidence Tuesday.  In honor of the upcoming Asian Pacific American Heritage...

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CMHC sparks conversation about mental health with activity-filled week

Meghan Nguyen April 10, 2018

This week’s schedule is full: Yoga, tie-dye and sugar scrubs are just a few of the attractions offered as part of the Counseling and Mental Health Center’s Mental Health Promotion Week. A...

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‘Rally for Reality’ hopes to erase stigmas about mental health through open dialogue

Meghan Nguyen April 4, 2018

Munching on cookies and sipping sweet tea, the crowd murmured in anticipation as Mitchell Keo, the night’s first speaker, confidently took the mic. Armed with anecdotes from his own life, Keo captivated...

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New organization She’s the First strives to fight gender inequality through education

Meghan Nguyen March 21, 2018

Founded by two sophomores, the newly established She’s the First chapter at UT is working to provide scholarships and support for girls’ education in low-income countries. In January...

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MLK’s Legacy: A discussion on poverty and social justice

Meghan Nguyen February 27, 2018

Nearly 50 years following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., members of Mayor Steve Adler’s task force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities gathered on Monday to discuss the...

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Spiritual Reset: Muslim sisterhood holds its first discussion session at Nueces Mosque

Meghan Nguyen February 15, 2018

A dozen girls gathered at Nueces Mosque on Wednesday evening to unwind from stressful classes and talk about Islam during the first Muslim discussion session of the year. Sisters’ Circle was started...

College of Natural Sciences kicks off spring with a multitude of interactive, science-centric events

Meghan Nguyen February 9, 2018

Whether it is a speech by a Nobel laureate or the “biggest open house in Texas”, according to the College of Natural Sciences website, the college is encouraging everyone to go out and enjoy...

Renowned designer Juliette Cezzar lectures on intersection of arcitecture, grapic design

Meghan Nguyen January 22, 2018

Dozens of people gathered in Goldsmith Hall Friday to listen to acclaimed designer, writer and educator Juliette Cezzar lecture about the intersection of architecture and graphic design. In her presentation,...

Lang Stuttering Institute raises $36,025 in HornRaiser campaign

Meghan Nguyen January 19, 2018

The Michael and Tami Lang Stuttering Institute has raised more than twice its fundraiser goal in a HornRaiser campaign to benefit persons who stutter, their families and their clinicians. The fundraiser...

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