09-16-25 by The University Star

Professor plans to sue over termination

By Ryan Claycamp News Editor

Less than a week after his termination, Associate History Professor Thomas Alter plans to file a lawsuit against Texas State since it failed to meet his demands of reinstatement on Sept. 15.

Alter was fired on Sept. 10 after Karlyn Borysenko uploaded a video of Alter speaking at the Revolutionary Socialism Conference. Borysenko calls herself an “anti-communist cult leader,” and posted a YouTube video titled “Why I’m embracing fascism.” Texas State President Kelly Damphousse said in a statement that Alter was terminated for “conduct that advocates for inciting violence.”

“The truth is that Dr. Alter was terminated because he espoused views that are unpopular in today’s conservative, politically-charged climate, in violation of his First Amendment right to free speech,” Amanda Reichek, Alter’s attorney, wrote in an email statement to The Star. “Dr. Alter intends to pursue swift

New policy controlling freedom of expression implemented on campus

By Ryan Claycamp News Editor

Texas State adopted new policies outlining when, where and how free expression can be conducted on campus Following the passage of Senate Bill 2972.

The new policy was published on Sept. 2 and revised on Sept. 8. The new policy requires non-campusaffiliated individuals to participate in expressive activities exclusively at Bobcat Trail, which is located near the Family Consumer Sciences and Roy F. Mitte buildings. It also restricts the hours during which individuals can participate in expressive activities, significantly limits activities during the last two weeks of a semester or term and more.

“ ‘Expressive activities’ means any speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by Section 8,

SEE SPEECH PAGE 2

Rev. WK Volkmer is asked to move to Bobcat Trail by UPD and Texas State’s expressive activities team, in accordance with Texas State’s new expressive activities policy, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 at The Stallions. Volkmer was the second person asked to move to Bobcat Trail by Texas State officials on September 11, the first was Joseph Losoya, also known as the “Bubble Believer.”

By Ryan Keilman Sports Reporter

The Texas State Bobcats were overmatched against the Arizona State Sun Devils Saturday night in Tempe, Ariz.

The Bobcats were looking for their first 3-0 start since 1983, but their high-powered offense fell flat in the desert as they lost to Arizona State by a final score of 34-15. The Bobcats struggled to match Arizona State’s explosive plays, lost the turnover battle 2-0 and had difficulty tackling the Sun Devils in the open field.

Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson completed 25 of 36 pass attempts for 184 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions. He also rushed for a touchdown. However, Jackson fumbled the ball twice, the first of which was on the Bobcats’ second drive of the game and was recovered by his own left tackle, resulting in a 17-yard loss.

legal action to enforce his due process and First Amendment rights.”

While the university has claimed Alter was fired for “conduct that advocates for inciting violence,” officials have declined to clarify which policies Alter allegedly violated.

“The reasons given by the administration that Dr. Alter engaged in ‘conduct that jeopardizes the health and safety of [the] university community,’ and ‘reflects inappropriate and poor judgment as a faculty member at Texas State University,’ are false and give every appearance of politically motivated discrimination,” Reichek said.

According to Alter, he first found out about his termination through Damphousse’s statement while he was at his son’s soccer practice. Alter said he was also sent a termination email from the Provost, but wasn’t sure if it was sent out before or after Damphousse’s statement was posted online.

MAIN POINT

Alter’s firing sets an ugly precedent

By Editorial Board

The Main Point is an opinion written by The University Star’s Editorial Board. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of our entire publication.

The firing of Tom Alter should raise concern for the student body, faculty and staff. If this could happen to him, it can happen to any of us.

Alter was fired on Sept. 10, after videos of him speaking at an online socialism conference were posted. According to a statement from President Kelly Damphousse, Alter was fired for “conduct that advocates for inciting violence,” and stated Alter’s comments were “serious professional and personal misconduct.”

The convention was called the Revolutionary Socialism Conference, which was held on Sept. 6 and 7. Specifically, Alter spoke as part of the Building Revolutionary Organization Today panel, which took place on Sept. 7. Karlyn Borysenko, a self-proclaimed “anti-communist cult leader,” appeared to have recorded the conference with the goal of getting people like Alter in trouble for exercising their First Amendment rights.

No matter your opinion on the subject matter, the fact that Texas State fired a professor only two days after a video was released, with no hearing, is frightening. Not only was Alter a tenured professor, but he was speaking his mind at a convention that was non-academic, where he did not represent Texas State.

Alter’s termination was announced just two days after Texas A&M fired the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, English department head and a senior lecturer after

AYDEN OREDSON | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

Arizona State junior defensive back Keith Abney II (1) breaks up a pass intended for Texas State junior wide receiver Chris Dawn Jr. (1), Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils beat The Bobcats 34-15.

UNIVERSITY

MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

MAYA CONTRERAS | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

Texas State biology sophomore Hayden Labarr protests the firing of professor Thomas Alter, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at the Stallions.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

City, UPD discuss pedestrian, traffic safety

By Candace Taggart News Reporter

The University Police Department and the city of San Marcos are improving pedestrian and traffic safety.

San Marcos Police Department responded to it’s fifth fatal motor vehicle crash of 2025 on Sept. 3. The following day SMPD responded to another accident that was on I-35.

“Prior to the Sept. 3 fatal crash, SMPD had increased traffic enforcement on IH-35 to target aggressive driving, and that effort will continue,” Nadine Cesak, communications and IGR manager for the city of San Marcos wrote in an email to The University Star. “SMPD reminds residents that it’s critical to make driving your priority by staying focused behind the wheel and following the law, including [the] city’s hands-free ordinance.”

San Marcos has had a decrease in fatal crashes since 2022 when there were 16. The city had an increase in total crashes with 1,364 motor vehicle crashes in 2024, the most out of the past 5 years.

“Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do each day, and as the population and traffic grow, the risks can increase,” Cesak wrote.

Orlando Gallegos, Travis South Area Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) said TxDOT promotes traffic safety campaigns that target contributing factors such as impaired driving.

FROM FRONT SPEECH

“Crash data will vary from year-toyear. TxDOT reviews all fatal crashes, and safety is a key consideration in every project we undertake,” Gallegos stated in a written interview to The University Star. “We urge drivers to be safe, drive to conditions and buckle up every ride.”

UPD and Student Government co-direct a safe transit program for students. Bobcat Safe Rides is an on and off-campus ride service for students available all days of the week.

According to UPD Chief Matthew Carmichael, the service updated to include Sunday evenings after student input.

Article I, Texas Constitution, and includes assemblies, protests, speeches, the distribution of written material, the carrying of signs, and the circulation of petitions,” legislators wrote in the text of SB 2972.

Notably, the policy does not apply to commercial speech, defamation, unlawful harassment, obscenity or threats to engage in unlawful activity.

According to JT Morris, senior supervising attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), the new policy and law will allow colleges and universities to censor speech.

“The bill imposes a number of sweeping bans on protected expression at the state’s public universities and colleges,” Morris said. “They sort of twisted this definition of expressive activities, not to protect free speech, but to enable campus administrators to censor it.”

In cases such as Ward v. Rock Against Racism and Hill v. Colorado, the Supreme Court has upheld the government’s Time, Place and Manner restrictions on speech. However, these restrictions must be content-neutral, narrowly tailored and serve a significant and legitimate government purpose.

Morris said because commercial speech is not restricted and expressive activities are not allowed between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., the new policy does not meet TPM restrictions.

“The number one program for pedestrian safety on campus or student safety on campus is Safe Rides,” Carmichael said.

Bobcat Safe Rides is making accessibility improvements. It has a wheelchair accessible golf cart, and for the first time, it will have wheelchair accessible Toyota Sienna vans in January, according to Carmichael.

“The program really is making sure students are getting from A to B safely as best we can with the resources we have,” Carmichael said.

One of UPD’s roles on campus is to monitor the need for pedestrian and traffic safety improvements by looking at the numbers of collisions, citations or

“This 10-hour ban on speech to prevent, for example, substantial disruption of the student studying or sleeping, banning all speech without criteria for its noise level or its location on campus, is not narrowly tailored, so that fails the Time, Place, Manner restriction that the Supreme Court has set out as well,” Morris said.

According to Morris, Texas State’s policy goes further than the law requires, such as banning more types of activity at in the last two weeks of a semester than necessary.

“That’s really concerning, that if you see a campus like Texas State who was taking the bill even further than the legislature intended to prohibit free speech, that presents a real problem, and I think you’re going to start seeing universities use this ... to prevent outside speakers and groups from coming to participate in expressive activities on campus,” Morris said.

According to Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students Valerie Holmes, Texas State has no uniform policy for enforcement of the new policies. Instead, each instance will be determined individually based on a number of factors, such as student and campus safety.

Holmes said the goal is initially to educate about the new law and policies, then assess how to enforce the policy if it is not complied with.

On Sept. 11, the new expressive activities policy was enforced three times. Two were for speakers outside of campus who were asked to relocate to Bobcat Trail and one who was a student given a criminal trespass warning for protesting inside of buildings on campus.

The first person asked to relocate was Joseph Losoya, a Texas State alumnus better known as “Bubble Believer.” When asked to move from his normal location outside of Alkek Library to Bobcat Trail, he instead chose

Trinity Building 203 Pleasant St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 245 - 3487

Editorial Staff

Editor-in-Chief: Blake Leschber stareditor@txstate.edu

Managing Editor: Rhian Davis starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu

News Editor: Ryan Claycamp starnews@txstate.edu

Life & Arts Editor: Carlene Ottah starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

Opinions Editor: Andrew Bencivengo staropinion@txstate.edu

traffic stops in a particular area before implementing a solution, according to Carmichael. This includes extending enforcement in areas where there are complaints or challenges, such as an increase in collisions.

“Statistically, our pedestrians are safe,” Carmichael said. “I know there was [a pedestrian collision] off campus, but I know we haven’t had one [on campus] this academic year.”

UPD, Facilities, Student Government and other Texas State community members will be identifying safety concerns on campus including dangers for pedestrians on the campus’s Safety Walk. The Texas State Campus Safety Committee is hosting the walk at 7 p.m. on Oct. 14.

“[The Safety Walk] has been beneficial each year because we are looking at the areas that may be poorly lit where pedestrians cross,” Carmichael said. “Which we’re in a pretty good spot right now. I don’t believe we have that.”

According to TxDOT, October is the deadliest month of the year for Texas pedestrians. In August, the city of San Marcos completed a traffic calming initiative with improvements for pedestrians and cyclists according to the Capitol Improvements Project list.

The project limits are Academy Street from Holland to Sessom Drive and Sessom Drive from Academy Street to North LBJ Drive. These improvements include painted, buffered bike lanes down Sessom Drive.

to move off campus to the corner of LBJ and Sessom Drives.

“I was out there from 9 a.m. to about 12:35 p.m., I was wrapping up, and someone with authority came up to me. He was just like, things have changed, there’s this new freedom of expression law,” Losoya said. “He was like, ‘You could be at Bobcat Trail over here, but you can no longer be at this spot anymore.’” Losoya said he felt weird when he was told about the new policy, but wasn’t offended, as it did not target him specifically.

“It is what it is,” Losoya said. “If that’s what they feel is best for a campus, then okay, I won’t be there.”

The second person, who actually did move to Bobcat Trail, was Rev. William Kyle Volkmer. Volkmer, who is not associated with Texas State, came to the Stallions with religious signs referencing The Bible, during a protest to reinstate Associate History Professor Thomas Alter and a separate memorial for recently assassinated conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Volkmer was informed of the policy and initially hesitant to move to Bobcat Trail, but did so when the University Police Department instructed him to and escorted him there.

“I think it’s a constitutional overreach,” Volkmer said. “I think it’s a travesty to constitutional freedoms we should have [in] a public university. We should have the freedom to publicly exercise our religion and our speech, right?”

Holmes said the student who was given a trespass warning violated the policy because the inside of buildings are not considered public forums and the student was being disruptive. She stated that aspect of the policy was preexisting.

“It has always been very consistent that [expressive activities] have to be peaceful and can’t disrupt business,” Holmes said.

FIRE, representing students from UT Austin and UT Dallas have already sued to block SB 2972.

Sports Editor: Adrian Ramirez starsports@txstate.edu

Multimedia Editor: Meg Boles starmultimedia@txstate.edu

History: The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,000. Printing is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Director: Laura Krantz, laurakrantz@txstate.edu

Parking services offers parking app to students, staff

By Arabella DiChristina News Reporter

Texas State University Police Department (UPD) released a parking app called Park TXST which shows students and staff available parking on campus.

Park TXST allows users to see which lots have open spaces, track their parking spots and identify which permits are accepted in each parking lot and garage.

Parking Lt. Michele Fox said the app was created from an idea she had to help students better maneuver parking on campus.

“I kept reading complaint after complaint about how students would drive around for hours and hours trying to find parking, and they were getting really upset,” Fox said.

UPD Chief Matthew Carmichael said Park TXST has received over 7,000 downloads in the first three weeks of availability.

“We’re trying to find alternatives to just writing tickets. We want compliance through just being a good community member,” Carmichael said.

Carmichael said to keep Park TXST’s available parking updated in real time; UPD utilizes the camera system in the parking garages, the license plate readers (LPRs) in the Public Safety Officer vehicles and by manually checking.

According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, LPRs are computer-controlled camera systems attached to police cars that capture license plate numbers that are in view. Then, LPRs take

Alter said the response he has received from students has been heartwarming.

“The outpouring of support from the students is just natural and heartfelt and so real that that’s what keeps me going in many ways,” Alter said.

According to Alter, his termination is one of the few, if not only, cases of a tenured professor being fired with no due process. He said his firing is harmful to academic freedom on campus.

“It sets a totally dangerous precedent,” Alter said. “It can only create a chilling environment at Texas State amongst faculty.”

The Star reached out to many faculty members to get their reaction to Alter’s firing. Many were willing to speak to The Star, but only anonymously, as they were afraid to speak out and face possible retaliation.

“The anonymous faculty members is a sign that something is wrong,” Alter said. “That faculty do not feel they can express their opinions in the open, to the student paper ... that you

those numbers and uploads it a central server where police can check if cars are parked in allowed areas.

“[LPR] is automatically happening as the vehicles drive through our parking lots. It not only can give a car count, but it also advises violations,” Carmichael said.

Hannah Nuttall, theater freshman, said Park TXST hasn’t helped her find parking, despite its praise from university officials.

“I thought the app was going to be really useful at first, and it’s kind of stupid in my opinion,” Nuttall said. “I could just be walking … at LBJ, and the app will give me a notification that my vehicle can’t park here, we’re going to give you a ticket, when I am literally just walking.”

cannot express your rights to speak ... shows that something is wrong.”

Alter said he was concerned not just for himself, but also for the students he served as a teacher, graduate advisor or student organization advisor for.

“Those student organizations picked me to be their advisor, the graduate students picked me to be their advisor,” Alter said. “Being separated from them ... it’s been depressing and it’s affected them. It’s hurt them.”

The Texas State Employees’ Union, of which Alter is a member, has created a petition to have him reinstated. Alter encouraged Texas State faculty to join the union, as well as academic associations such as the American Association of University Professors, because those organizations have helped him.

“Those two unions have been invaluable,” Alter said. “I would not have been able to put together my defense without the support of my two unions, so I highly encourage it if it was something you were thinking about.”

Carmichael said he has only received positive comments about Park TXST.

Nuttall said when putting her residence hall parking permit into the app, Park TXST didn’t show which parking garages had spaces available, only that they were all full when they were not.

Carmichael said the primary focus of parking services is having students and faculty download Park TXST to see which functions are the most important, but it could also be used to purchase permits in the future.

UPD asks students to utilize the feedback feature of Park TXST to inform Parking Services about any issues with the app.

Alter said he is seeking to be reinstated. He also said that the lawsuit would be filed in a Hays County court, instead of in a different county or in federal court.

Reaction to Alter’s Termination

Elected officials, academics and members of Texas State faculty have condemned Alter’s firing

Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) released a statement on Facebook, criticizing the firing and suggesting it may have been illegal.

“This is especially troubling, because the summary firing appears to be in direct conflict with SB 18, the tenure legislation that was passed in 2023,” Zwiener wrote in the statement. “That legislation allows for the firing of tenured faculty but only if due process is followed. There appears to be no due process in this instance.”

Benjamin H. Johnson, graduate programs director and professor at Loyola University Chicago, who was an outside academic during Alter’s tenure review, sent a letter to members of the university administration.

“I am writing to make sure that you understand the enormous damage you have done to Texas State University, academic freedom and the First Amendment, by summarily firing Professor Alter for comments he made in his capacity as a private citizen,” Johnson wrote in his letter.

Johnson criticized the administration for listening to Borysenko due to her past statements.

“That person now apparently decides who teaches at Texas State University,” Johnson wrote. “You have not only injured Alter, but you have insulted your own students, faculty, and administrative colleagues by replacing their judgment with that of this blogger.”

Johnson also asked Dean Mary Brennan and Provost Pranesh Aswath to consider stepping down from their administrative positions.

“I suggest that you think long and hard about the damage to your reputation that remaining in your administrative posts under such a derelict President might do,” Johnson wrote.

A Texas State professor, who knew Alter, spoke with The Star under the condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation. The professor said he believes Alter’s firing will lead to a decrease in the number of people applying for faculty positions at the university.

The professor also said he believes the university compromised its academic integrity by firing Alter. He also said he was worried the university could target other professors, both tenured and not, as well as students, for their speech.

“I think the university wanted to make an example of Alter,” the professor said. “Something like that can happen to anybody … maybe that’s what the President wants.”

Scan the QR code for The University Star’s initial coverage on Alter’s firing.

MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Texas State students protesting against the termination of Associate History Professor Thomas Alter discuss their motivations with other students, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at the Stallions.

Public Safety Officer LaTonya Johnson scans license plates to ensure cars are parked in the correct zones, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 at the Matthews Street Parking Garage.

FROM FRONT LAWSUIT

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Bencivengo

Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.

Texas State is failing to protect free speech

By Andrew Bencivengo Opinions Editor

Across college campuses in Texas, the right to speak freely is increasingly at risk. State legislation is undermining First Amendment rights, and university policies are compounding the problem.

The state introduced restrictive policies, like SB 2972, that limits when and how students can express themselves. In compliance, Texas State introduced policies on expressive activities, while also raising free speech concerns as no uniform policy for enforcement exists, posing risks of arbitrary implementation against expressive activities.

Speech in Texas has increasingly been restricted and politicized, turning campuses into testing grounds for these limits. At Texas State, and other institutions, it is up to students to use their voice, or face losing it.

In response to recent challenges against speech, students have responded by staging multi-day protests around the Stallions. Those protesting the firing of tenured professor Tom Alter viewed it as a reflection of Texas State’s stance on free speech.

Christian Scott, a computer information systems sophomore, said Alter’s firing violated his right to free speech and due process.

“I think there is a clear distinction, especially when someone in a position of power exercises that power simply because of an opinion that was expressed,” Scott said. “That’s directly a violation of the First Amendment law.”

Across the state, university speech has also been policed. Texas A&M faculty were fired for course content,

FROM FRONT FACULTY

a viral video was released of the senior lecturer teaching gender studies and sexuality in her children’s literature course, according to The Battalion.

Two cases of First Amendment violations in such a short amount of time should send alarm bells. It’s clear that Texas universities, including Texas State, are not willing to defend students, faculty and staff.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) puts out an annual college free speech ranking. In the ranking, Texas State was 112th out of 257 and had a score of 58, which was an F on their scale. This is a 12-placement drop from 2024. Texas State is slipping in protecting free speech, and this situation only amplifies that.

Even more worrying is the disparity with how this incident was handled. In November 2024, Texas State put Tanner Neidhardt, who was an adjunct professor in the School of Criminal Justice, on administrative leave for an alleged violation of state election laws. Alter was not put on administrative leave; rather, he was immediately terminated without due process.

Faculty are now scared to speak

UT protesters have been arrested and legislative committees have been formed to investigate faculty speech. These actions show public universities increasingly cozying up to the state government, with immediate and alarming impacts on speech.

Nationally, concerns over speech have also come to a head, some with violent consequences. Political commentator Charlie Kirk was killed while speaking on a college campus, indicative of the current climate of speech in the country.

Steven Moskalev, an animal science junior, was at The Stallions on Friday, Sept. 12 to honor Kirk. He said he was distraught by Kirk’s murder and viewed it as a sign that democracy and free speech are in turmoil.

“Freedom of speech right now is in danger on both sides, so we have to be careful, and we have to stop dehumanizing people,” Moskalev

said. “We’re all people. I don’t care about your political beliefs; we’re all humans.”

These concerns come as people increasingly fear speaking out, with voices across the political spectrum facing retribution. At Texas State, this same sense of alarm is spreading among faculty and students, as speech is increasingly scrutinized.

Non-affiliated demonstrators are also affected. The Stallions are no longer a free-expression zone for outsiders, and Bobcat Trail, located far from central campus, is now the designated area for expressive activities. Because of this, outside demonstrators will no longer have the platform they once had.

Texas State has already seen the consequences of silencing student voices. In 1969, a group of students who protested the Vietnam War were suspended for a year for exercising

their minds about anything, including topics that don’t involve the university. If Texas State could fire Alter, they could fire anyone for voicing their opinions outside the classroom. Even as The University Star reached out to tenured faculty to speak about this and other topics, they are becoming worried that their words could be used to terminate their employment.

While there are limits on free speech, The University Star’s motto is to defend the First Amendment. Alter was exercising his First Amendment right and was not actually inciting, according to FIRE. Dominic Coletti, student press program officer, told The

Letters to the Editor Policy

The University Star welcomes letters from our readers. Letters must be

300 words or fewer to be considered for publication. Writers must include their full name, mailing address, major and academic year designation (for students), phone number and e-mail address when submitting a letter.

Submissions that do not include this information cannot be published. This information is seen only by the editors and is used to verify the identify of the

Star that the definition of incitement is “speech that is both ‘directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.’ Alter did not speak in front of a government building, but in a private Zoom call. It also should concern the community that the university swiftly fired Alter for a video that someone with a clear ulterior motive published. The video was not from the conference itself, but someone who classifies herself as an “anti-communist cult leader.” This shows that getting Alter fired was her goal all along, and Texas State should feel embarrassed that

their right to speak out, drawing national concern. Today’s free speech battles echo that same struggle. By failing to protect speech, university administrators are acting as extensions of the Texas legislature, leaving students, faculty and community members at risk. Regardless of political orientation, it appears that students are in agreement that speech is being threatened. Speech is essential to a free society, and exercising this right in the face of restrictions ensures state lawmakers and campus administrators are held accountable to the people they serve. If these concerns are not heard now, avenues may not exist for them to be expressed in the future.

-Andrew Bencivengo is a business management junior

they chose to use this video as a basis to their decision to fire him.

Free speech is under attack at Texas universities, and Texas State is not protecting the people who have dedicated their lives to serve here. Administration is being overly compliant in its decision to bow to the political will of the governor, and it will only harm the future of our university as fear takes hold. First, it’s Alter; next, it could be anyone reading this editorial.

Scan the QR code for The University Star’s initial coverage on Alter’s firing.

letter writer. It is not used for any commercial purpose.

Letters become the property of The Star and may be republished in any format. The letter may be edited for length and clarity. An editor will contact the letter writer if their letter is a candidate for publication. The Star will not run letters that are potentially libelous, discriminatory, obscene, threatening or promotional in nature.

Letters can be submitted to staropinion@txstate.edu or by mail to Attn: Opinion Editor, The University Star, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666.

Two groups of Texas State students gather to protest the firing of Tom Alter and the death of Charlie Kirk, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at the Fighting Stallions statue.

FOOTBALL

Breaking down Texas State football through first three weeks of the season

By Adrian Ramirez Sports Editor

Three weeks into the 2025 football season, Texas State is sitting at 2-1 with victories over Eastern Michigan and UTSA, along with a loss to Arizona State. The Bobcats are still looking to establish an identity for themselves, from a high-powered offense to a defense that still looks to be the team’s Achilles heel. Here is a breakdown of the first three weeks of Bobcat football.

Still one of the nation’s most potent offenses

According to the NCAA’s official stats website, Texas State is 38th in the country in total offense. Amassing 1363 total yards of offense (453.3 yards per game), the Bobcats haven’t had much of a problem moving the football up and down the field.

Texas State is also tied for 45th in scoring offense, putting up an average of 36.7 points per game. At risk of stating the obvious, scoring as many points as possible is the goal on offense, but as of now, the magic number for Texas State is 35. When scoring 35 or more points, the Bobcats are 15-2 under head coach GJ Kinne. When scoring less than 35, they are 3-9.

All of this to say, if the Bobcat offense keeps putting up points at the clip they have been, it should be a successful final run in the Sun Belt.

Defense could improve

Juxtaposing the high-powered offense, the defensive unit has been lackluster thus far. Texas State ranks near the very bottom of the NCAA in total defense, giving up 429.3 yards per game, a number that lands it at 115th in the nation out of 134 teams.

It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly has been wrong with Texas State on the defensive side of the ball, but starting with fixing the rushing

FROM FRONT RECAP

defense appears to be the biggest need. The Bobcats are 126th in the nation in rushing defense as they have been getting gashed for 211 yards per game.

One reason for the gaping hole in the run defense so far has been the inability to wrap up, a development that has been consistent over the first three weeks. Half of football is tackling, the other half is not getting tackled and to this point in the season, the Bobcats can’t seem to bring their opponents to the ground.

Unless the defense adjusts quickly, it appears this will be a season full of shootouts.

Jackson, Sparks and Pare

Brad Jackson, Beau Sparks and Lincoln Pare have been the catalysts so far for Kinne and company.

Sparks leads the nation in touchdown receptions with five on the young season and is 12th in the U.S. with 307 yards. Sparks has formed an early connection with Jackson and appears to be his quarterback’s most reliable target at the moment.

Pare ranks 16th in the country with 100 yards on the ground per game. The departure of former Bobcat Ismail Mahdi to the University of Arizona opened the door for Pare to take center stage as lead back.

Pare wasted no time stepping into the shoes Mahdi left, announcing his presence to Bobcat Nation in last season’s First Responder Bowl. Pare rushed for 143 yards in last year’s bowl game and hasn’t looked back since.

Sparks and Pare have been crucial to Jackson’s early-season success. Despite his poise and calmness, Jackson is still a redshirt freshman; the importance of having two playmakers he can rely on can’t be understated. But not all credit should be given to his offensive weapons.

Jackson is 34th in the country in passing efficiency and ranks in the top 30 with six passing touchdowns and in the top 50 with a 67% completion percentage. While Jackson still has plenty of room to grow and the years ahead to do so, it’s hard to deny the promise that he shows.

The second fumble was a botched snap exchange that was recovered by Arizona State’s C.J Fite late in the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach.

The connection between Jackson and wide receiver Beau Sparks continued to be effective as Sparks once again led the Bobcats in receiving with 70 yards and a season high 10 receptions. Although, he was not able to find the end zone after scoring five touchdowns through the first two games of the season.

Sparks also fumbled the football on a play that would have given Texas State a first down early in the second quarter when the Bobcats trailed 10-3. This turnover would prove to be critical, as two plays later, an 18-yard run by Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt set up ASU’s second touchdown, putting them up 17-3.

Lincoln Pare led the way for the Bobcats on the ground with 61 yards on 13 carries, which was good for about 4.7 yards per attempt. However, the Sun Devils more than doubled the Bobcats’ total rushing output with 245 yards on the ground to the Bobcats’ 119, thanks in part to their dual-threat quarterback Leavitt, who rushed for 59 yards.

Leavitt completed 15 of 25 pass attempts for 188 yards and two touchdowns, the first of which he pulled a rabbit out of a hat to do so. Leavitt eluded several Bobcat defenders in the backfield and completed an off-balance jump throw to wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who hurdled a defender and walked a tight rope along the sideline to stay in bounds and score a 30-yard touch down, giving ASU a 10-3 lead.

Texas State kicker Tyler Robles made a 39-yard field goal in the first quarter, but then came up short on a 54-yarder that hit the crossbar at the end of the first half.

Bobcats’ safety Ryan Nolan led the defense with seven tackles while defensive end Kalil Alexander and line backer Treylin Payne each had 1.5 tackles for loss.

The defense as a whole kept the Bobcats in the game into the second quarter, until explosive plays from Leavitt and Tyson made it difficult on the Bobcats going into the second half.

Coming out of halftime up 20-3, the Sun Devils marched the ball down the field on a

13-play, 79-yard touchdown drive that gave them a commanding 27-3 lead. The Bobcats responded with a touchdown on a Jackson 7-yard rush, but would fail on the two-point conversion attempt.

On the first play of the ensuing drive, Arizona State’s running back Raleek Brown took a handoff 75 yards for a touchdown that would put the game out of reach for the Bobcats. Texas State scored its second touchdown late in the game on a 3-yard pass from Jackson to wide receiver Kylen Evans, and the two-point conversion attempt failed again.

Texas State now sits at 2-1 on the season with one more non-conference game remaining. The Bobcats host the Nicholls Colonels with kickoff slated for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at UFCU Stadium.

Texas State football offense prepares to begin a play against Arizona State, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils beat The Bobcats 34-15.

AYDEN OREDSON | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

Texas State prepares to run out of the tunnel onto the field before their game against UTSA, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at the Alamodome. Bobcats beat the Roadrunners 43-36.

MEG BOLES| MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Texas State junior wide receiver Beau Sparks (11) celebrates after making a touchdown against Eastern Michigan Saturday, August 30, 2025 at UFCU Stadium. Bobcats beat Eastern Michigan 52 - 27.

ART BY: Caroline Trang

‘Caught Stealing’ hits a grand slam

By Marvin Goines Life and Arts Reporter

Adapted from the Charlie Huston novel, “Caught Stealing” is a new film directed by Darren Aronofsky, known for his previous works “Black Swan” and “Requiem For A Dream. The film stars Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz and Matt Smith.

Butler plays Hank Thompson, a New York City bartender who destroyed his chances at going pro in Major League Baseball. His neighbor, Russ Binder, played by Smith, hurriedly leaves New York City behind for London, leaving Thompson to watch his cat, Bud. Apprehensively along for the ride is Kravitz’s character, Yvonne, a paramedic and Thompson’s girlfriend.

What seems like a simple task rapidly devolves into high-octane thrills, chills and kills. As Thompson accepts his new cat-sitting fate, the situation initially appears normal until a few unsavory characters insert themselves, leaving Thompson hospitalized. Yvonne alerts him to the severity of his injuries as he returns to consciousness, and from here, the action and story fly off a ramp.

Although undisclosed, it’s apparent that Binder operates in some shady dealings that Thompson unfortunately gets involved in. Under the threat of harm to everyone he knows and loves, the pressure rises and requires Thompson to assist the mobsters in securing a hidden cache of cold, hard cash.

The late 90s setting is an energizing choice, removing itself far from the relief of modern technology, with pay phones providing nostalgia and excitement because of the lack

of Caller ID. Thompson wrestles with recurring nightmares, born out of recanting his glory days and how they flew past him. What could have been an amazing and promising baseball career instead becomes a constant pressure point that Thompson has to overcome throughout the film.

There’s an incredible meditative moment where Thompson simultaneously moves past his fears and allows them to be dissolved by tuning the television away from his beloved San Francisco Giants. Butler is consistently a great actor, giving his all in every role regardless of whatever script is in front of him. Fortunately, “Caught Stealing” is solid in all facets, allowing him the chance to really shine in the lead role.

The action in “Caught Stealing” is refreshingly unique, as Thompson relies on his physical presence and

imposing stature, having been a former baseball player, rather than using any guns. There are even some slick moments where the muscle memory kicks in when Thompson goes for a slide to escape or uses objects to land an incredibly satisfying smack against the antagonists. The film itself isn’t afraid to use weapons, but it’s a welcome change of pace not to devolve him into a character who points and shoots his way out of things.

At first, there appears to be an obvious path within the plot progression, but a jaw-dropping moment occurs much sooner than anticipated. It appears purely as a vehicle for early shock value, but the actual reveal in the final third act is so well-executed that it only makes sense to play out in this manner.

Although there are various villains, one or two from each

respective gang, they’re all distinctly different, and each gang is fleshed out individually. The variance in attitudes and methods while pursuing Thompson and the money is what makes each group unique, rather than basic outfit and accent changes.

Aronofsky delivers a gritty, fun and sobering tale about letting go of the past and learning how to use it as a launchpad to move beyond regrets. If not for Butler in the role, the emotional delivery of its message could have easily been dampened. Luckily, the film had excellent casting, and Butler absolutely rose to the occasion in selling the most heart-wrenching scenes in “Caught Stealing.”

The ending to the film is relatively straightforward but well deserved for Thompson and may hopefully set up another story down the line, as the novels are part of a trilogy. “Caught Stealing” is more of what is needed from feature releases: a great cast, a solid script and story and a decent budget.

critic who has been writing reviews on various types of multimedia since 2021. His work can be found on websites such as ‘The Cosmic Circus’ and ‘Movies We Texted About.’

Bayle’s stirs up excitement with expansion

By Cady Clements Life and Arts Reporter

Bayle’s, a bar on The Square at 130 E San Antonio St., honors a beloved Texas State student with a vibrant, laid-back space. Now expanding with a kitchen and backyard, it’s becoming a full experience rooted in connection and celebration.

Bayle’s is a locally-owned bar created to honor the life of Bayle Bucceri, a former Texas State student who died in a car accident in 2022. Co-owners Andrew Ray and Sheldon Catley built the bar as a tribute to Ray’s close friend. Since opening last fall, Bayle’s has cultivated an atmosphere that thrives within the vibrant life of San Marcos.

Ray and Catley see Bayle’s as more than just a bar. They believe it has become a safe space where people can play board games or pool, hang out with friends or get homework done.

“I’m happy to say that Bayle’s has evolved into your daily local hangout,” Ray said. “We have people that come do their homework here. We have people that love to sit and gossip and talk, and Bayle’s has really turned into a social lounge where people like to hang out on a day-by-day basis.”

Bayle’s was built with intention in every detail to make a space that Bucceri would’ve loved. From the drink specials to the photo booth, everything was meant to honor her memory. Ray and Catley are expanding that vision with several new plans

and business models, including a “Munchies” food menu, a food truck for Texas State home game tailgates and sponsorships for local athletes.

The biggest expansion in the works is “Bayle’s Backyard,” a relaxed outdoor space designed to bring people together. Plans include turf for lawn games, shaded seating and a possible stage for live music, all aimed at creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Jade Dobson, a health science junior at Texas State and bartender at Bayle’s, said she loves the family that Bayle’s has created and how close everyone is as the business grows. She shared her excitement for the backyard’s potential and how it’ll play into the environment at Bayle’s.

“I think it’s just a very homey place,” Dobson said. “People come here when they’re like, ‘Alright, we’re done with the EDM music, and we want to come here and chill.’”

Catley said he and Ray grew up around San Marcos, and they want Bayle’s to be a safe space. He said the recent shooting on The Square this past July is one of many reasons they want to provide a comforting environment for people to hang out.

“I want it to be a safer spot that kids can actually sit down and not be exposed to The Square,” Catley said. “A lot of stuff happens, and the later it gets, the worse it gets.”

Ray and Catley executed the most recent expansion plans on Aug. 16, when the bar officially opened

its kitchen and launched the all-new “Munchies” food menu, including items such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and loaded fries. The addition of comfort food began to round out the everyday bar niche that Bayle’s came to represent.

With the launch of its new “Munchies” menu, Bayle’s isn’t just serving food, it’s serving its community. Ray and Catley are looking to deepen the bar’s ties to Texas State culture by rolling out a Bayle’s-branded food truck for game day tailgates, bringing their comfort food straight to Bobcat fans. Ray believes Bayle’s grew into a space that truly honors its namesake. Every expansion reflects the spirit of comfort and community that Bayle’s embodies. For Ray and Catley, each new addition isn’t just about business growth; it’s about continuing the legacy of a friend and creating a place where students and locals feel at home.

“If you don’t have anything to do on a Tuesday, come by. You got to do your homework on Monday? Come by. And so, we take pride in that,” Ray said “And I think that’s our identity, and I think that’s exactly what [Bucceri] would have wanted. It’s just a place where she could go every single day if she wanted to.”

Left: Bayle’s bartender Jade Dobson (Left) shows food from Bayle’s new kitchen off the “Munchies” menu with her coworker. The meal can include a bag of Lay’s chips and a hot dog with condiments. Right: The front bar at Bayle’s, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Bayle’s at 130 E San Antonio St. Bayle’s new kitchen opened on Aug. 16.

Marvin Goines

a film/TV

MILLA DEUR | STAR ILLUSTRATOR

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

New restaurants open in San Marcos

By Staff

From chicken to Thai food to seafood, The University Star compiled a list of seven new restaurants in the city of San Marcos. Here is a breakdown of the restaurants.

El Pollo Rico #20

5403 S. I-35 Frontage Road

El Pollo Rico is a Mexican restaurant chain that specializes in authentic Mexican charcoal-grilled chicken and carne asada. This is the second San Marcos location, with the first one located on 1109 N. I-35 Frontage Road.

Gotji’s Kitchen .

801 Chestnut St.

. . . 2

Gotji’s Kitchen is a Thai restaurant and also a food truck. It just opened a location right off campus on Chestnut Street. Its featured items include curry, pad Thai and fried rice. Gotji’s Kitchen also has a location at 400 N Main St.

. 3

Tumble 22 .

1104 Thorpe Lane Suite D

Tumble 22 is a chicken joint joining the trend of new chicken restaurants in San Marcos. It mainly focuses on chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads and wings. It has eight locations in the Austin and Houston areas.

Sea Barra .

420 University Drive

Sea Barra is a seafood restaurant right off campus. Its menu consists of items from ceviche to burritos and tacos. It also has a food truck.

The Groove Thai Food . . . . . 5

2626 Hunter Road #101

The Groove Thai Food is a Thai restaurant on Hunter Road. It serves brunch, lunch and dinner Thai food with vegan options. It originally closed on March 15 but just reopened in a new location in July.

One to Fi Cafe . . .

804 Chestnut St. Suite A

One to Fi Cafe is an Asian fusion restaurant located right off campus. It focuses on fried rice, noodles and rice don bowls. Its goal is to blend tradition with creativity and to use fresh ingredients.

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe 7

1101 Thorpe Lane Suite 107

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe is a fast-casual Greek cafe. It specializes in chargrilled lamb and falafel, as well as dips, salads, gyros and pitas. It also has locations in New Braunfels and San Antonio.

GERKE | ASSISTANT DESIGN EDITOR

SOPHIA

Meal plans offer budget-friendly options

By Carlene Ottah Life and Arts Editor

Dining Services has adjusted its meal plans for the 2025-26 school year to help students better budget their money while dining at on-campus locations.

Previous meal plans consisted of a block plan with a designated number of meal swipes that would reset at the end of the semester. Whitney Villarreal, senior director of marketing and guest experience for Chartwells, said the team developed the main plan based on a survey sent to students, faculty and staff every October regarding dining services.

They discovered students had difficulty budgeting their meal plans for the entire semester. For example, a student would wonder how to make 120 meal swipes last about 115 days or how to use all 200 of them.

“With the new plans that were put into place this fall, it’s clear how many meal swipes or meals [students] have per week to use in the dining halls, and their meal plans reset every Saturday at 2 a.m.,” Villarreal said.

Meal swipes can be used at buffetstyle locations like the Commons and Harris dining halls, while retail meal swipes are for use at various locations like Jones Dining Center and Paws N Go Market. A retail meal swipe covers up to $8.69, while the remaining service can be covered with Dining Dollars, a credit or debit card or Bobcat Buck$. Retail meal swipes cannot be used at certain locations such as Starbucks, TeaCo and food trucks, as they are subcontractors or have their point of sale system.

On-campus students could choose their meal plan from three options: Maroon 7, Gold 14 and Bobcat Unlimited. Maroon 7 has seven swipes per

week, one retail swipe, two guest passes and $400 in Dining Dollars, totaling $1,625 for the semester. Gold 14 has 14 swipes per week, three retail swipes, five guest passes and $300 in Dining Dollars, totaling $1,955 for the semester. Bobcat Unlimited has one swipe per day, one retail swipe, 10 guest passes and $300 in Dining Dollars, totaling $2,350 for the semester.

While the survey was open, the MyMeals Assistant let students get a better handle on their eating habits, budget and class schedule before choosing a meal plan. On-campus students are required to get a meal plan and would be automatically assigned the Gold 14 plan if they did not choose by July 21. They could change it for this semester until Sept. 10, and no changes are available to make after this date, but Villarreal said students

can use this time to determine what plan better suits them for the next semester.

“Say the student gets the Gold 14 meal plan, and then the next semester they know that that might have been too much for them, then they can go down to the Maroon 7,” Villarreal said. “Knowing how much they’re going to eat within a week and how many times they want to visit the dining hall will determine which meal plan would be best for them.”

Off-campus students can customize a residential meal plan, deciding how many meal swipes and Dining Dollars they can purchase to fit their needs. These are optional and cannot be added or changed after Sept. 10, but they can email a request to idservices@txstate.edu to cancel their plan or can purchase a commuter meal plan through Dining Services after

that date.

“[Off-campus students] have had a whole year of the meal plan under their belt, they’re going in the next year, they know like, ‘Hey, I like to eat more in the dining halls,’ or maybe ‘I like to eat more retail,’ so they can choose if they want more meal swipes or if they want more Dining Dollars, or they can choose if they only want swipes or only want Dining Dollars,” Villarreal said.

Since the meal plan swipes reset several times throughout the semester, there are no more rollovers to the next semester, but Villarreal said students can still donate unused meal swipes to Swipe Out Hunger during the last week.

Concrete industry management freshman Santiago Garza prepares to swipe his BobcatCard to pay for a meal at Wing It, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at Jones Dining Center. Garza wishes there were more retail swipes but believes it’s fair that the meal plan doesn’t let him spend money here and he can use Dining Dollars.

CARLENE OTTAH | LIFE AND ARTS EDITOR

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

THIS WEEK IN SMTX

Former NYPD police officer

James Eyster, who was in New York during 9/11, participates in the 9/11 stair climb, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at the UFCU Stadium. Participants climbed more than 2,000 steps, symbolizing the 110 stories first responders and survivors had to descent at the World Trade Center.

Scan the QR code to view all photos.

Guadalupe Cultural Arts teacher and flamenco dancer

Genevieve Obregon dances to Tientos at the 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at the Hays County Historic Courthouse.

Hispanic Hertiage Month kicked off on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025.

Grupo Folklórico Ocotochtli member Rebeca Alvarez dances to El Gusto during the 4th annual Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at the Hays County Historic Courthouse. Alvarez, a bilingual education senior, is passionate about dancing and came to the event to represent San Marcos’ diverse culture.

Texas State cheerleaders and Hellcats support the volleyball team during their game against Arizona State, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at Strahan Arena. Arizona State took the win 3-2 sets.

Texas State mascot Boko flexes during the volleyball game against Arizona State, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at Strahan Arena. The Bobcats lost in 5 sets.

San Marcos Fire Department firefighters place carnations in the flower memorial at the end of the 9/11 Flag Raising Ceremony, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at San Marcos City Hall. At the conclusion of the event, the public was invited to place flowers in the 9/11 memorial to participate.

CARLENE OTTAH | LIFE & ARTS EDITOR

LIBBY ALLEN | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

AIDEN FRITSCHE | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

LAURA WALKER | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

CARLENE OTTAH | LIFE & ARTS EDITOR