TUESDAY
DAMPHOUSSES REFLECT ON 37 YEARS OF LOVE
By Sydney Seidel Life & Arts Contributor
Despite having different memories of how their first date went, Texas State President Kelly Damphousse and First Lady Beth Damphousse celebrated their 37th anniversary on Jan. 21. They hope their story can be one of inspirational advice for students navigating relationships.
Kelly moved from Canada in 1985 to attend Sam Houston State University, but he didn’t know his way around Texas very well. When a friend invited him to a Baptist Student Union camping retreat, he accepted. Having never been to church, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Halfway through the service, a girl stood up and began singing.
Kelly remembers turning to his friends and asking two questions: “Who was she?” and “How many times a week do you guys do this?” Soon, he began attending church weekly.
Kelly and Beth remained friends at first because Beth was in a relationship. When Kelly discovered she was newly single, he knew his time had come.
“I got on my motorcycle and drove to her house and said, ‘Hey Beth, I heard what happened and just wanted to let you know I am here for you,’” Kelly said. “And then that was the beginning of everything.”
Beth, who initially was hesitant about the “wild” Canadian boy who drove a motorcycle and wore leather chaps, was cornered by a woman from
their church who took a mentor role with Kelly and convinced her to give him a chance.
On their first date, as Kelly remembers, he picked Beth up on his motorcycle and took her for ice cream. When he dropped her off at her triplex, he asked, “That went pretty well, right? We should date.” After she said, “Okay,” he said, “So that means we’re getting married.”
After they had married, Beth convinced him to continue his education despite his uncertainty as a first-generation student. He received his green card and began his academic career at the University of Alabama. During this time, they also had their two daughters, Kayleigh and Kristen.
By Lucciana Choueiry News Editor
Trigger warning: this story contains mentions of dating violence.
Texas is the ninth-most dangerous state for online dating in the U.S., according to a study by the Privacy Journal.
From the likes of Tinder, Hinge and Bumble, dating apps are one of the most prominent ways to meet romantic partners – specifically among college-aged individuals.
The Privacy Journal ranked all 50 states on
By Carlene Ottah Life & Arts Editor
Each year, The University Star reaches out to couples on Instagram through answers from a social media poll and about how they met at Texas State. The Star spoke with four couples about their love stories and what brought them together.
Victoria Soto and Spencer Gage
Victoria Soto, anthropology doctorate, recently completed her masters degree in anthropology in spring 2024 and was invited to the 20th anniversary of TXST’s anthropology program at Hays County Barbecue. She recorded a TikTok asking people who in the department would get the drunkest and Spencer Gage, archeology graduate, responded, but they did not meet again until later that night.
“I went to go rally people to come inside and
online dating risks, giving Texas a score of 51.53 out of 100. In Texas, reports linked to online dating include 4.4 romance scams, 278 cases of identity theft, 329 fraud incidents, 336 registered sex offenders, 781.5 cases of sexually transmitted diseases and 431.9 violent crimes.
How do these numbers play out at Texas State?
To find out, The University Star asked Texas State students and alumni about their experiences with dating apps—what’s working, what’s not and what risks they’ve run into.
dance, and [Gage was] the only person that accepted because everybody else stayed outside to hang out,” Soto said. “Then we danced.”
Soto later searched Gage’s Instagram after he did not come to the afterparty, and they hung out. They were good friends for five months, visiting each other’s places and cooking and shopping together. He asked her out one day, and she agreed the next week.
“We just we work so well together,” Gage said. “We keep each other on track. We we don’t really ever fight, and when we do have little disagreements, we square it up pretty quickly.”
By Marcus Bracken Life & Arts Contributor
Green and red flags are signs that determine how people form new friendships or pursue romantic relationships. While green flags are characteristics or traits that would cause an interest in pursuing a relationship with someone, red flags are attributes that would cause someone to avoid another person.
The University Star reached out to Texas State students about their green and red flags through a social media poll posted on its Instagram page.
Archeology graduate Spencer Gage (Left) and anthropology doctorate Victoria Soto (Right) stand on the Faust Street Bridge, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in New Braunfels.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
‘A Brunch of Drag’ returns to San Marcos
By Carlene Ottah Life and Arts Editor
Eileen Dover, drag artist, hosted A Brunch of Drag every fourth Sunday of the month at The Davenport before the bar shut it down. The final show on Sept. 22, 2024 celebrated the event’s two-year history. Dover wanted to bring back the showcase due to the reaction it received when it left.
“[A Brunch of Drag leaving] got a lot of hype and not only in the sense of pure sadness for the community, but I think more now than ever, since that has been taken away and we had to replace it, it’s been rough,” Dover said.
A Brunch of Drag will soft launch on Feb. 14 at Eden with the aid of drag queens and the San Marcos community.
With recent bans for the LGBTQ+ community, Dover felt it was crucial to find a safe and inclusive space to provide the showcase.
“There’s no other opportunities to have community in one room if we don’t create them,” Dover said.
Dover found Eden on Dec. 7 when she partnered with Lewk Magazine for its release party. She approached Francis Foglia, owner of Eden, about doing a drag show there. Having been to drag brunches in Austin before and hearing of Dover’s situation, Foglia said he was open to the idea.
“Honestly, they’re always fun, they’re very lively and I enjoy the fact that I can provide a place that is comfortable and something I think is honestly a perfect fit for it,” Foglia said. “From what I can tell, we’ve had a lot of good feedback [on social
FROM FRONT COMMUNITY
Paige Moore
media], and I think a lot of people are very excited about it.”
Dover said it will be the same production as before, but she will see how people like the space before the showcase has a hard launch this spring.
Despite the event being at night, Dover calls it A Brunch of Drag since it is a familiar name within the community and signifies her and the show’s return. She said the idea is to have a once-a-month queer nightlife and a once-a-month queer brunch.
“There isn’t anywhere that’s having such a nightclub event for queer people ever since Stonewall,” Dover said. “There are other drag productions and showcases happening in San Marcos, but we created such a loyalty with that production from the get-go that we’re trying to bring that back for everybody.”
Yu Phoric, drag artist, will perform at the showcase for the first time. She knows of the shows in San Marcos and coordinated with Dover on ideas. Being on board with A Brunch of Drag, Phoric feels Dover posting gigs lets people know there is traffic in San Marcos.
“If we keep on hosting these shows and allow ourselves to get the opportunities like these or spaces... that are willing to pay Queens properly and also allow them to perform there, I think that’s amazing,” Phoric said.
The new showcase will premiere a twist: an AFTER DARK Galentine’s Day Edition drag show, priced at $5 until 11 p.m. and $10 after.
Paige Moore’s, education junior, green flag is when a guy is in tune with his emotions and can freely express them. Her boyfriend allows her into his world by sharing what makes him happy or may upset him.
Lillie Kelso
Lillie Kelso, English sophomore, loves a good conversation. Effort and consistency are a green flag to her. Getting Kelso her favorite drink when she’s upset lets her know someone is thinking about her and reassures her.
History:
“I obviously want effort in a conversation, but I also want effort in other aspects,” Kelso said. “It doesn’t have to be a crazy, outgoing, roses or Kelso finds it very frustrating when a potential or current partner can’t engage in
good conversation. She tends to avoid people who may struggle or don’t put in the effort to have
“I want questions, confirmations and effort,” Kelso said. “Don’t just ask how my day is, ask about my day.”
Charlie Daniels
A green flag for Charlie Daniels, mass communication junior, is knowing how to cook.
“Cooking isn’t a gender-based skill,” Daniels said. “Everyone should know how to cook as it’s an essential skill. It’s easy to tell who can cook and who can’t once you get to college.”
Daniels’ red flag flies when someone struggles to find a good balance between friendships and romantic relationships.
“Losing connections with your friends while
Editorial Staff
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Laura Krantz,
dating or letting your friends dictate your every move isn’t an admirable quality,” Daniels said. “If it’s a major problem, I’ll voice my opinion, but if they get super rude about it I know I shouldn’t pursue a relationship with them.”
Sports Editor: Jackson Kruse starsports@txstate.edu
feel like I’m not mature enough to handle who you
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Publication Info
Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, February 11, 2025. 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.
Corrections Policy: Errors appearing in the pages of The University Star and brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible.
Carlene Ottah
CHRISTOPHER PAUL CARDOZA | COURTESY PHOTO
Local drag queen Calor performs at The Davenport with Mayor Jane Hughson in attendance.
CHRISTOPHER PAUL CARDOZA | COURTESY PHOTO
Local drag queen Brianna St. James performs at The Davenport.
LIFE & ARTS 3
FROM FRONT LOVE STORY
During their time apart while working toward their degrees, communicating through written letters, and later raising kids, Kelly and Beth believe the secret to a strong relationship amidst busy schedules is finding joy in what each other does and sharing that.
Beth, who knew her husband would have difficulty being entirely off the clock as president, stepped into her role as what she calls “chief volunteer.” Between hosting over 100 university events at their house last year alone, Beth became an essential part of the Texas State community, ready to lend a hand and support her husband’s work.
“I am not the kind of person who can just sit around the house all day dusting things off,” Beth said. “And I appreciate that he considers me a team player in all of this.”
In addition to supporting each other in their work, the Damphousses
FROM FRONT RELATIONSHIPS
also believe that communication is key to maintaining a healthy relationship amidst their busy schedules. Kelly admires that, after a tough day when he often experiences imposter syndrome in his role, he can come home knowing Beth will always be her biggest supporter.
Beau Borgmeyer and Tiara Fowler
Beau Borgmeyer, communication studies junior, met Tiara Fowler, history and education junior, when Fowler joined the Texas State Heretics last semester. Though they started out as friends, they liked each other but thought the other did not. One night, Fowler attended a karaoke social where Borgmeyer was not present, and a teammate confronted about her crush.
“We had one friend who kept asking and asking who [Fowler] had a crush on, and then she finally said me but was like, ‘Oh, don’t tell anybody,’ And then [our friend] immediately called me and was like, ‘Guess who likes you?’” Borgmeyer said.
When she received the call, Borgmeyer was excited and met with Fowler over winter break to confirm it was real, and they started dating. They said their teammates jokes about how they took a while to get together.
“We were very awkward and both oblivious,” Fowler said
Jonathan and Amy Jones
Jonathan and Amy Jones, then public relations and advertising juniors, met in the summer of 2005 when they took the same intermediate Spanish II class. As Jonathan sat in the back to not draw attention to himself, he would see Amy coming to class.
“There was one particular day where we were taking a quiz, and we were let out to take a break,” Jonathan said. “It was the first time she and I had talked, and it was just on the steps of the building, and it was a great conversation, just real casual.”
Jonathan and Amy would not see each other again until the last day of class, when one of their classmates invited people to celebrate. They wanted to be respectful of each other since they were both seeing other people. After trying and failing to meet up again, Jonathan and Amy would coincidently meet at Treff’s Tavern, both recently single and wanting to talk to each other again. It was not until a costume contest and subsequent afterparty that they had a moment.
“I remember us walking and me seeing the shadow of his wig in the street lights and walking home with all of our friends and knowing I just found my person, and it was just a really special moment,” Amy said. “The rest of the night was magical, and two weeks later, we were official, four years later, we were married.”
Aubrey Weinstein and Prasamsa Kharel
Prasamsa Kharel, sociology junior, rushed a sorority in fall 2023 and met her sorority twin. They finished arts and crafts for their sorority on Nov. 15 when her twin said her roommates were live on Instagram and invited Kharel to watch. One of them was Aubrey Weinstein, digital media innovation junior, and Kharel asked her twin for their Instagram.
“I was just looking through my notifications, and I was like, ‘Who’s this random girl that just followed me,’ and my roommate shortly after texted me being like, ‘Hey, my friend thinks you’re cute,’ and I connected the pieces,” Weinstein said.
Kharel did not respond to Weinstein’s message after they accepted her request, but she met Weinstein the next day while visiting her twin’s dorm. Neither of them were mentally prepared to meet, so they awkwardly greeted each other. Weinstein ran an errand for Kharel’s group and brought her flowers they picked from near Harris Dining Hall.
“Aubrey made a mini bouquet for me and gave it to me, and the rest is history,” Kharel said.
KELLY AND BETH DAMPHOUSSE | COURTESY PHOTO
Texas State First Lady Beth Damphousse (Left) and President Kelly Damphousse (Right) pose for a wedding photo, Sunday, Feb. 21, 1988, in Bryan, TX.
LYDIA DEOLLOZ | COURTESY PHOTO
Communication studies junior Beau Borgmeyer (Left) and history and education junior Tiara Fowler (Right) pose for a photo during their hike, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at Purgatory Creek.
JESSICA ROCKOWITZ | COURTESY PHOTO
Public relations alumnus Jonathan Jones (Left) and advertising alumna Amy Jones (Right) post for their annual family photoshoot, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, in Austin.
LISA WEINSTEIN | COURTESY PHOTO
Digital media innovation sophomore Aubrey Weinstein (Left) and sociology junior Prasamsa Kharel (Right) wait for a train to go to New York City, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, at the South Orange Station in New Jersey.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire
administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or
Speak On It: Black Men United President discusses Black organizations
Speak On It is a collaboration of voices compiled by The University Star’s Editorial Board. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of our entire publication.
By Staff
For the second Black History Month edition of “Speak On It,” The University Star interviewed Black Men United (BMU) President Jaden Campbell to hear his thoughts on the experience of Black students at Texas State.
Campbell knew upon coming to Texas State he would get involved with Black organizations, and he is grateful BMU is where he landed. He has now been the president of BMU for two years.
BMU has three main goals including retaining Black students at TXST, increasing the Black graduation rate and building a space of community.
“[BMU] is a place for Black men to come together, learn and have a place to belong on campus,” Campbell said.
Campbell said Black History Month
is a great opportunity for students outside of the Black community to work and educate themselves.
“Black history is alive today,” Campbell said. “I think once you educate yourself on things that happened in the past, you’ll be more aware of the things happening around you and maybe more willing to understand what other people go through.”
Campbell said as a whole, Texas State hasn’t done much to bridge the gap for its Black students. However, unlike some students, Campbell doesn’t look toward the administration to solve these issues.
“Everything we do is us, it’s run by us, it’s funded by us. I don’t think we should be looking toward anybody else,” Campbell said. “We have the power to change our community and do some of these things ourselves.”
Campbell said Black organizations
are strong and vibrant across campus, which has allowed him to have a positive experience during his time here.
“The biggest aspect that stands out to me is how connected we all are,” Campbell said. “I think we might take that for granted, but in a school of [over] 35,000 people, the fact that we can still come together and build those bonds… that’s pretty powerful.”
Because of its dedication to increasing retention rates, both within the organization and at Texas State, BMU recently implemented a mentorship program. Campbell said the effects have been monumental.
“Not only have our members stayed, but they’re getting higher grades and they’re showing
up to more events and they’re happier,” Campbell said.
Though he doesn’t look toward the administration to support the Black community, Campbell said it would be appreciated if Texas State officials like President Kelly Damphousse made more of an effort to show up for Black organizations.
“Just showing us that you see us… that visibility would mean a lot to people,” Campbell said.
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Nova & Nellie
BASEBALL
Texas State baseball season preview
By Adrian Ramirez Senior Sports Reporter
With less than a week until Texas State baseball returns to the diamond against Binghamton, there is a litany of questions surrounding the program. In 2024, Texas State missed not only the NCAA tournament but the Sun Belt tournament as well, so no one quite knows what to expect in 2025.
The only certainty is the Bobcats will bring a drastically new look into the new season. With over 20 new faces on the roster and some changes on the coaching staff, Bobcat baseball looks revamped and ready to make a statement this season.
New Faces
It’s hard to determine what the opening day lineup will look like solely because there are 29 new faces on the Bobcats’ roster this year. Texas State head coach Steven Trout said mass roster turnover appears to be the new norm in college baseball and is something the team will learn how to deal with as the season goes.
“It seems like every year you’re going to have somewhere between 15 to 20 new guys. That’s just kind of how it plays out,” Trout said. “I’ve probably been most proud of this [new] group because of the way they work and get after it.”
In addition to new faces on the roster, the Bobcats added two new names to the coaching staff. Former Texas Longhorns head coach David Pierce and former Minnesota Twins assistant hitting coach Danny-David Linahan bring over 30 years of experience to the Bobcats’ staff.
Pierce has made 22 NCAA tournament appearances in his coaching career, and Linahan brings MLB coaching experience to San Marcos.
“[Pierce] is really big for myself and our staff because he sits back and views everything and helps us out on things he sees from his lens…[Pierce] is a great mentor for us,” Trout said. “Then Coach Linahan going right from the big leagues into our clubhouse. It’s been amazing the new things he’s brought to us on the hitting aspect.”
Key Returners
With a roster as reworked as Texas State’s, any veteran presence can’t be taken for granted. Those returning to the squad in 2025 will need to step into the leadership roles if the Bobcats are going to be successful this season.
On the offensive side, Chase Mora and Ryne Farber will be key to the Bobcats’ success this year.
As a sophomore, Mora was hailed as one of the best up-and-comers in the nation after hitting .316 with 17 home runs and 57 runs batted in his freshman year. However, he didn’t live up to his expectations in 2024, as he only hit .251 with six
SOFTBALL
home runs. Mora said he has been making some adjustments in his mindset to get ready for his junior campaign.
“I think last year I got too sped up, thinking I had to hit the home run or be [that guy], and that took me out of my routine and approach,” Mora said. “One thing this fall that I went to work with was being myself, hitting the baseball in the middle of the field and letting the home runs come.”
Farber had a breakout campaign as a freshman, slashing .340/.466/.468 in the 40 games he played. Following up his freshman season with one of a similar nature as a sophomore will be a driving factor in keeping the Bobcats’ offense on track.
“The past is the past, and my job is to get better every day,” Farber said. “For me, it’s just being focused every day and doing the little things right to try and get better.”
Austin Eaton, Matthew Tippie and Sam Hall should be three returning pitchers who will play a large part in determining the Bobcats’ success this
season.
Eaton and Hall became two staples of the weekend rotation last year. Both showed flashes of their true potential but struggled at times to really hone in. If they can make the necessary tweaks to their game and pitch more consistently, they could be in line for big seasons.
Tippie was a cornerstone of the bullpen, functioning as a late-inning, high-leverage guy. He has electric stuff out of the bullpen but occasionally struggles with command. If he can reign in his control, Tippie could find himself as a true closer this year.
Games To Look Forward To
Every season comes with the excitement of big games. Based on the preseason polls, Texas State’s schedule features matchups against five teams in the top 25, including the number one team in the country, Texas A&M.
Along with A&M, the Bobcats’ out-of-conference slate will feature a home-and-home series against No. 19 Texas and matchups against No. 17 Oklahoma State and No. 23 TCU.
In the Sun Belt, Texas State’s big series includes No. 25 Troy, Coastal Carolina, Southern Mississippi and Louisiana; all of whom received top-25 votes in the preseason.
Bobcats split games at Texas State Tournament
By Sports Staff
Maddy Azua allowed three runs in 14 innings, Karmyn Bass went 5-for-10 at the plate and Texas State went 2-2 in its first tournament of the season last week at Bobcat Softball Stadium.
Texas State started the tournament on Feb. 6 against the No. 13 Arkansas Razorbacks. Bri Ellis, Kailey Wyckoff and Ella McDowell each clobbered a solo home run to give the Razorbacks a 3-1 win.
“I just told [my team], you just played a really good team that probably should have been in the College World Series last year, so I can’t be more proud of all these new players I had on the field with the way they battled,” Texas State head coach Ricci Woodard said.
Despite taking the loss, Azua threw a solid game, only allowing the three solo homers while striking out three in six innings.
Texas State’s offense appeared lifeless most of the night until a seventh-inning rally brought All-Conference outfielder Ciara Trahan to the plate as the winning run with two outs. However, a controversial strikethree-looking call on Trahan ended the game, much to the displease of Woodard, who yelled at the umpire and angrily threw a bat on the ground.
The Bobcats achieved their first win of the 2025 season on Feb. 7 by defeating the San Diego Toreros 2-1.
In her first start for Texas State, Emma Strood pitched five innings and allowed five hits, one run and three strikeouts against the Toreros.
“I don’t think we’re even close to coming to ourselves offensively,” Woodard said. “To still be able to pull out a win tells me that we’re going to be able to be a great team.”
In the bottom of the second inning, Megan Kelnar hit a double to drive in Kate Bubela, a first-year transfer from North Carolina. Sydney Harvey reached on a single soon after, and her attempt to steal second base caused an error by San Diego, leading to Kelnar scoring the only other run for the Bobcats.
In a reversal of the game against Arkansas, Azua came in relief for Strood to earn her first save of 2025. Azua allowed one hit and earned two
strikeouts in two innings of work.
“[Azua and Strood] are a great one-two punch right now,” Woodard said. “I haven’t even gotten the rest of our staff in yet, and I’m excited to see what all of them are going to do for us.”
On Feb. 8, the final day of the tournament, Texas State split its doubleheader as the Bobcats shutout the Lipscomb Bison 3-0 and lost to the Bradley Braves 7-3.
Texas State came out with urgency against Lipscomb, plating two runs in the game-opening frame. Harvey scored on a defensive error by the Bison, while Bass plated a second run with a sacrifice fly.
Bass struck again in the third, roping a triple into right field, allowing Keely Williams to score.
Azua worked six shutout innings,surrendering three hits and punching out seven. Presley Glende worked a perfect three-up, three-down inning, picking up the save.
Game two against Bradley was a story of missed opportunities for the Bobcats as they left the bases loaded three separate times and left 11 runners on base.
“We can’t have one hit through five innings against a team on their fourth game of the weekend,” Woodard said. “Our pitching is going to keep us in ballgames and it’s not fair to them, so we need to do a better job at the plate.”
Texas State’s inability to cash in on offensive opportunities, combined with 12 hits from the Bradley offense, three of which came from third baseman Kierston McCoy, proved too much to overcome for the Bobcats.
Bradley plated one in the second, two in the third and one in the fourth to take a 4-0 lead over Texas State into the sixth inning.
Texas State scored three before Bradley added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Texas State loaded the bases again in the home half, but could not cash in.
The Bobcats will be back in action and host another tournament beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at Bobcat Softball Stadium. Texas State will play host to Stephen F. Austin, St. Thomas, Fordham and New Mexico.
PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
The Texas State baseball team stands for the national anthem before their game against the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Friday, March 29, 2024, at Bobcat Ballpark. Bobcats lost to the Ragin’ Cajuns 16-5.
Chase Mora Junior Infielder
Ryne Farber Sophomore Infielder
KATE MADDISON | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER
Texas State junior outfielder Emilee Baker (1) gets ready for the upcoming against the University of Arkansas alongside her teammates on Feb. 6, 2025, at Bobcat Softball Stadium. Bobcats lost 3-1 to Arkansas.
Know Your Rights: TXST outlines immigration policy
By Ryan Claycamp Assistant News Editor
Texas State outlined protocols for encounters with federal law enforcement in an email to faculty and staff on Friday, Feb. 7.
The email, sent by Finance and Support Services, came after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive permitting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in schools, churches hospitals, courthouses and other “sensitive” areas. On Jan. 29, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a series of executive orders, requiring state agencies to assist federal immigration enforcement.
The email states faculty and staff encountering federal or state agents must remain composed, direct inquiries to the University Police Department (UPD) and promptly notify their supervisors.
The protocols also call for faculty and staff to contact the Office of General Counsel before releasing any records to ensure compliance with FERPA, HIPAA and other privacy laws.
As well as announcing the protocols, Texas State has taken down the Monarch Center and the Immigration
Law section from the Attorney for Students website.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with SB 17 and executive orders, the information included on the Monarch Center webpage is under review and not currently live on the DOS [Dean of Students] website,” a university spokesperson wrote in an email to The Star.
According to the spokesperson, the university is moving student support services to the CARE Center under the DOS and students seeking support can contact the office at 512-245-2124.
Before the policy was announced, students organized protests against ICE on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 to protest the change in federal and state policies.
“We’re here protesting the mistreatment of immigrants and the wrongful incarceration of immigrants,” Leslie Tejeda-Pena, computer science freshman said.
Matthew Silva, computer science sophomore said he believes Abbott’s immigration policies don’t take into account the effects on individuals and families in Texas.
“I feel like [Abbott] doesn’t understand the impact that he’s having,” Silva said. “I don’t think he’s close
enough to the people to understand... I think from his point of view he’s just looking at the numbers, not the actual lives that this is impacting.”
Karen Muñoz, justice catalyst fellow for LatinoJustice PRLDEF, said she has seen claims on social media that immigrants and undocumented individuals do not have rights under the U.S. Constitution. She said those claims are untrue and that immigrants have the same rights as citizens.
Those rights include but are not limited to the Fourth Amendment rights protecting from unreasonable search and seizures, the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and the Sixth Amendment right to an attorney, Muñoz said.
“[Law enforcement] should not come into your home without a valid warrant. That comes from the Fourth Amendment,” Muñoz said.
Nataly Avendano, the immigrant equity director for Mano Amiga, a local advocacy group, said they increased their focus on making “know your rights cards” available around Hays County due to the recent policy changes.
The “know your rights cards” also known as Red Cards or Tarjetas Rojas, are cards made by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. The cards
outline how to handle encounters with ICE, along with serving as a reminder of rights granted by the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.
“That’s a really great resource, just because of all the information that it has and you know, they can carry that with them at all times,” Avendano said. “We’ve also created our own version of an explainer of what to do if ICE shows up shows up at your home, and what to do if ICE shows up to your job.”
Both Avendano and Muñoz recommend if stopped by ICE, individuals should try to refrain from showing any foreign identification such as a passport or consular ID. Avendano recommends trying to get an enhanced library card, available through the San Marcos Public Library to local residents who are at least 18 years old. Muñoz recommends carrying around proof of residency for the last two years to avoid expedited deportation procedures.
Muñoz recommends international students and immigrants speak with an immigration attorney. The American Immigration Lawyers Association and Department of Justice both have tools to find immigration attorneys.
City of San Marcos projects water shortage by 2047
By James Phillips News Reporter
San Marcos is projected to face a water shortage by 2047, as current resources are unable to meet the expected future demand.
San Marcos’ user base - residents, businesses and other entities relying on SMTX Utilities - is projected to grow to 303,000 by 2075, much higher than the previous city estimate of 188,000, according to Tom Hjorth, director of SMTX Utilities, in a presentation to San Marcos City Council.
Hjorth told city council the amount of water consumed in a day from city resources is projected to surge under current estimates.
“Your usage [under current population estimates] then goes from nearly 19 million gallons a day to over 33 million gallons [of water] a day,” Hjorth said.
Hjorth said in addition to adding new water sources and modifying ordinances, the primary solution for meeting San Marcos’ future water demand will be recycled water.
The Carrizo Water Treatment Plan, which opened in December 2024, produces recycled water, which is wastewater that is treated and now safe for reuse.
The plant, which is expected to be fully operational by October 2025, will recycle 15 million gallons of usable water daily. That recycled water will be split between various communities, with San Marcos receiving just over 5 million gallons per day—leaving the city short of meeting the projected demand.
Robert Mace, director of the Meadows Center, believes increased demand would have to be met with increased pumping of existing resources.
“I do have concerns because [lots of commu-
nities and businesses are] going to the Carrizo-Wilcox for meeting future demands and... there’s gonna be a lot of pumping from that aquifer that’s gonna have some big impacts,” Mace said.
Virginia Parker, director of the San Marcos River Foundation, said the potential of bills increasing for users will primarily depend on the type of water treatment used and the availability of external funding.
“If the city took on that cost without finding outside funding... that could cause an increase in fees,” Parker said. “So we can either find money in outside sources through grants and loans for infrastructure to prevent a lack of open enough water or the city [pays] for the infrastructure that’s needed for water.”
A turtle perches on a diving buoy on Spring Lake, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, outside the
However, Parker said if water rates do increase, low-income residents can apply for assistance from the city through the Community Services Application, while residents with higher incomes can conserve their water use.
“The ideal scenario is that low-income families are not affected because they’re, signing on for the reduction in fees,” Parker said. “Then the people that do have financial resources would have higher rates and therefore start to conserve [water consumption.]”
A water shortage could also halt developments within the city, according to Mace.
“One thing that happens [when the water runs out] is growth moratoriums because you can’t build a new neighborhood if you don’t have the water,” Mace said. “You can’t bring in a new business or
manufacturing plant if you don’t have the water.”
Hjorth said water conservation, particularly compliance with San Marcos Ordinance 2021-05, which requires all new developments after 2021 to use native plants in landscaping, is essential for managing water usage.
Mace agreed water conservation is important to protecting city water resources.
“About a third of [annual] water use comes from outdoor water use,” Mace said. “If [residents] can be as efficient as possible or even eliminate outdoor water use you’ve reduced residential use by a third.”
Other organizations, such as the Office of Sustainability at Texas State, encourage students to take small steps to conserve water in their daily routines, such as limiting showers to 10 minutes and turning off the tap when brushing their teeth helps to reduce water use by students.
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Texas State recreation studies junior Melody Ellis cheers with a crowd while holding two homemade signs, protesting deportations, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, at the Stallions.
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Meadows Center.
Inside the Capitol: House Bill 778 & Senate Bill 115
Texas legislation tackles gender-affirming care
By Elizabeth Redman News Contributor
“Inside the Capitol” examines key bills from the 89th legislative session that impact the Texas State and San Marcos communities. The session began on Jan. 14 and ends June 2. People seeking gender-affirming care may see changes to their insurance coverage, or even lose coverage entirely, due to two new bills from Texas’ 89th legislative session.
State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, introduced House Bill 778 (HB 778), which would require healthcare insurers to cover adverse effects of transition, including procedure reversal. On the oppo site end, Senate Bill 115 (SB 115), intro duced by State Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edge wood, would prohibit insurers from covering gender-affirming care, including Medicaid.
SB 115 claims
“the medical commu nity has a conflict of interest in offering gender modification treatments and proce dures because those treatments and procedures create lifelong patients as a result of required follow-up visits after those treatments and procedures.”
Dr. Georgeanne Freeman, owner of Freeman Medical Clinic in Austin, has provided transition services for over 14 years. According to Freeman, transitioning includes different adjustments.
“There are people who don’t even necessarily want hormones as part of their care and then there are people who want hormones to affirm the gender they feel they are, as well as surgeries,” Freeman said. “So there are these two extremes, and then most people are somewhere in the middle, and that can evolve.”
However, SB 115 will not affect Freeman’s practice, as she no longer takes insurance in her clinic due to past unreliable coverage from insurance companies, as well as the amount of time insurance processing requires.
“One year, Blue Cross Blue Shield might cover estrogen, but they wouldn’t cover testosterone. Then the next year, they quit covering hormones altogether. It was always very rare for insurance to cover any surgical procedure for transgender affirmation,” Freeman said.
The National Library of Medicine states most hormones cost under $100 for a 30-day supply, on average.
According to Freeman, HB 778’s proposal for insurers to cover procedure reversal is unwarranted. Freeman said she never encountered a patient who wanted to reverse the gender-affirming care they had received.
According to a survey by The National Center for Transgender Equality, out of 27,715 people who transitioned in 2015, 8% reverted to
the gender they were assigned at birth, and over half of that figure had only done so for a short period before tran sitioning again.
Safara Malone, policy intern for Transgender Education Network of Texas, has seen an increase in poli cies against transgender people under President Donald Trump’s administra tion. According to Malone, during the Biden administration, many people were able to get gender-affirming care under Medicaid, Medicare, AETNA and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Trump signed Executive Order 14187 on Jan. 28, which banned all types of gender-affirming care for individuals under 19. This is similar to Texas SB 14, which banned gender-affirming care for minors under 18 in Texas in September 2023.
“The Texas government has shown clear disrespect for transgender people,” Longoria said. “It’s just very clear that the current administration does not care for us and is actively trying to displace us and our communities.”
“For Texas legislators, this isn’t about protecting the detransitioners and making sure they’re safe and they can get retribution, this is about putting physicians and insurance companies in a difficult position and making them choose between if they’re going to continue protecting and affirming trans people,” Malone said.
Malone believes the main priority for transgender people is to be treated fairly by government agencies.
“I think it’s a matter of just allowing people to have autonomy over their own bodies because, truly, this is not hurting anyone else,” Malone said.
Basil Longoria, communication design sophomore and Bobcat PRIDE’s social chair spoke on what it’s like to be a transgender person in Texas. Though Longoria said he sees support locally, he expressed discontent with the way the government treats trans people at both the federal
Longoria began using hormone replacement therapy before SB 18.
“There’s a lot of current trans children who are being affected by this legislation and I think it’s very unfair... Depriving this care from us is going to harm us; it’s going to kill us,” Longoria said. “We’re people. I’m just a student that goes to Texas State...We are always going to exist, no matter what.”
HB 778 has been introduced and will next be read, referred to a committee for discussion and then voted on for presentation to the full House.
SB 115 has been referred to the State Affairs Committee where it will be heard and voted on.
FROM FRONT DATING APPS
Ari Gill, pre-nursing junior, has used Tinder and Hinge since arriving at Texas State but said online dating hasn’t led to any genuine connections in her experience.
“No one really wants to commit, these guys on dating apps they’ll hit you up only at 2 a.m. with a weird, dirty pickup line,” Gill said.
Students Against Violence Peer Educator Erin Whitney said there is sometimes an assumption that dating apps are only for sexual encounters, which can affect the culture surrounding it.
“That can affect somebody’s normalization of accepting things that they aren’t as comfortable with as fast… and they view the relationship and the app as a tool for sex that can then make it harder for them to recognize when their boundaries are being crossed,” Whitney said.
Pennick has also been on dating apps since moving into her on-campus dorm in 2022 to get familiar with the community.
“As a generation in a post-COVID world, we are more sucked into our phones and our technology just because we spent so long there and I think a lot of us don’t know how to approach people anymore so the apps break down that wall,” Pennick said.
An April 2020 study by Vanderbilt University found 30% of respondents reported increased dating app usage since the start of the pandemic.
While meeting someone behind a screen may make it easier to talk to someone, Pennick said the downside is feeling like you never get to know who the person truly is or what they’re looking for.
“The idea of being serious isn’t even the forethought in my mind,” Pennick said. “I’m more thinking ‘Do I have attraction to this person? Do we have a good connection? Could
Initially, Gill was looking for something serious but had low expectations of finding that on Hinge—until she matched with someone who caught her attention.
Along with pictures of himself, the guy she matched with had “everyone is broken and
we talk? Could we be friends? Would my friends vibe with this person?’”
Like Gill, Pennick also reported people on Hinge because they’ve made her uncomfortable.
“This one time, I was saying I didn’t want to do anything and this person was showing me explicit videos with them and other people and I was like this is not cool,” Pennick said.
Pennick doesn’t define her sexuality but recognizes the added risks for the queer community on dating apps, noting that members of the community are often fetishized.
According to the Pew Research Center, lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) adults use dating apps 27% more than straight adults. But with that increase comes greater risks.
The research also showed 69% of LGB adults reported experiencing some form of harassment on dating apps.
“We do have some people on campus that don’t believe in those
Grant downloaded Tinder in 2012, during his sophomore year at Texas State, the same year the app was founded.
When Grant first started using Tinder, it felt like uncharted territory. That changed after he spent weeks talking to a girl he was interested in—only for her to suddenly unmatch him and delete her account.
“That changed my mindset to this is not real life, have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously,” Grant said. “If you’re looking for something in particular, you’re probably not going to find it. Just go with the flow, see what happens and that made it a much more enjoyable experience for me.”
Grant had been swiping on dating apps for eight years before he came across Asta Barber’s profile, another Texas State alumna, during the height of the pandemic.
He said both his and Asta’s profiles showcased their “silly sides,” which is what led him to swipe right.
“The more self-aware of who you are, I think the more yourself shows through, no matter what you put out in the world and unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know themselves but she did,” Grant said.
hurt nowadays, no one wants anything real” written on his profile.
“Looking back that was probably the biggest red flag but at the time I was like ‘I want something real’ and so we matched and little did I know how messed up he would be,” Gill said.
While her parents were out of town, Gill invited him over to her house to meet in-person for the first time. That night was just the beginning of many where she’d end up in tears because of how he treated her.
“From then on he would say things that would purposefully make me cry only to pick me back up and it created this trauma bond where I associated feeling better with him even though he was the one who made me feel like [expletive] in the first place,” Gill said.
This continued for two months. When it came to the sexual aspect of the relationship, Gill said he pressured her into things she didn’t want to do, making her feel like she had no choice if she wanted him to stay.
She lied to her parents about seeing him, she wasn’t doing well in her summer classes and she said she lost all self-confidence because of him.
identities and they can target you for that, especially with the location aspect of the app,” Pennick said.
Another common trend Pennick sees on the app is older men targeting younger girls, which she experienced when she was 18.
Kelsey Banton, violence prevention program manager at Texas State’s health promotion services said because of experiences like Pennick’s, it is important for people to set boundaries and intentions.
“Freshmen women and individuals who identify as women, are disproportionately affected by sexual assault,” Banton said. “In their first four semesters are when most individuals experience a sexual assault during their whole college experience and that number is so disproportionate.”
Online dating has its dark side, but for Texas State alumnus Grant Barber, Tinder led him to his now wife.
“I would have never met this person who left me feeling damaged if it wasn’t for Hinge,” Gill said. “It really opened my eyes to the fact that you do not really know anyone on dating apps, just what they choose to show you and that is smoke and mirrors.”
After blocking him, he continued to reach out through fake Instagram accounts for months, making Gill feel like he was always lurking in the background. She called this her worst experience, but not the only one—Gill said she frequently encountered people who made her uncomfortable and has reported several dating profiles.
According to Hinge’s help center, reporting a profile is anonymous and permanent, ensuring neither the reporter nor the reported individual will encounter each other’s profile again.
However, Nalani Pennick, healthcare administration senior, believes apps should have a system to track reported profiles and prevent those users from creating new ones.
For their first date in September 2020, Grant cooked dinner for Asta at his home. He knew early on he wanted to be with her, but it took time to reach that point, so he continued talking to other women in the meantime.
“I said to a few of them ‘Hey, I’m happy to hang out with you but just a heads up there is one girl that I’m very interested in but she’s not fully committed to me and I’m not fully committed to her, but if we decide it’s go time I’m gone,’” Grant said.
Eventually, they decided to officially date after Asta left her boyfriend at the time for Grant. They got married this year.
Grant and Asta would have never met if it weren’t for Tinder, he said. Despite spending years on the same campus at Texas State, they never crossed paths until after graduation, when both found themselves swiping through the app – but they had varying experiences on the app.
“Situations definitely can happen where the man is in danger [on dating apps], but women are going to, unfortunately, be more vulnerable in situations,” Grant said.
According to the Pew Research Center, 66% of women aged 18-49 have experienced online harassment, including receiving unsolicited sexually explicit messages, persistent contact after rejecting someone,
offensive name-calling or threats of physical harm—compared to 36% of men.
While Grant and Asta’s story shows that dating apps can lead to lasting connections, not everyone is as fortunate.
Banton recommends getting to know someone before meeting in person and suggests choosing a public place for the first meeting.
“They can maybe video chat a couple of times. They could play a game just doing something where they’re not together physically, but they’re still bonding or getting to know each other in some capacity,” Banton said.
If someone wants to take legal action regarding sexual violence, SAV recommends reaching out to the Texas Advocacy Project, a pro bono legal group specializing in cases such as non-consensual image sharing and stalking.
Other resources include the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center, University Police Department Bobcat Safe Rides and the Counseling Center.
“Sometimes we put up these really scary walls around how to set boundaries around sex, but it’s really similar to how we set boundaries in our everyday life and it’s important to practice boundary setting in all relationships,” Banton said.
THIS WEEK IN SMTX
Texas State biology freshman Alexandra Avilez looks through a rack of resell clothes during the San Marcos Valentine’s Craft & Vendor Market, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Tanger Outlets.
Aniyah Corpus considers a variety of homemade soaps being sold at the San Marcos Valentine’s Craft & Vendor Market, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Tanger Outlets. The event was hosted by Hometown Vendor Market, a program that puts on markets to supports local vendors.
Christian Meyer laughs at a tarot reading during the San Marcos Valentine’s Craft & Vendor Market, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Tanger Outlets. The market featured local vendors, sweet treats and gift ideas for Valentines Day.
Latonya Perkins laughs while chatting up a customer for her gift basket business during the San Marcos Valentine’s Craft & Vendor Market, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Tanger Outlets. Perkins started her business three years ago in Austin.
Jessica Ramirez, owner and cook of Ideal Mini Pancakes, flips a pan of mini pancakes during the San Marcos Valentine’s Craft & Vendor Market, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Tanger Outlets. Ramirez’s snack cart can be found in Austin and surrounding areas.
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Texas State business management senior Gerardo Escobar, clips his homegrown micro greens at the Market, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, on the Square. Escobar started his business, Green Pastures this year.
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Mycheryl Russ (Left) tells mechanical engineering freshman Mante Brazil (Right) about her business Chak Therapy during the Black History Month Kick Off, Monday, Feb, 3, 2025, at the LBJ Student Center. Chak Therapy makes vegan products that are designed to honor the seven chakras while practicing self-care.
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