Author: Areesha Rahman

• ut on the fence with the trump compact

  The Trump administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” has ignited significant debate across U.S. universities, including the University of Texas at Austin. This initiative offers preferential federal funding to institutions that adopt a set of conservative-leaning reforms. While many universities have declined the offer, UT Austin remains notably silent, raising questions about its…

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• From Harvard to UT: How politics are influencing education

  The Slow Defunding of Public Education and Harvard’s Stand Around the country, public schools, community colleges, and universities are beginning to feel the bite of sweeping cuts to education funding from the federal government. What once was a relatively stable (if always contested) partnership between Congress, the U.S. Department of Education, and state or local…

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• hozier makes important statement at acl 2025

  This past weekend at Austin City Limits, Hozier reminded us why art and advocacy still walk hand in hand. What started as an evening of music became a moment of alignment; a demonstration that music festivals are not just for escapism, but also for conscience. During his headlining set, Hozier paused to speak with intentional…

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• Palestinian Leader Goes Virtual at UN

  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly virtually this week after the U.S. revoked his visa, a move that has sparked widespread international criticism. The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to permit Abbas to deliver his speech via video link. This decision came after the U.S. State Department revoked the visas…

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• over 1200 immigrants missing in florida

  More than 1,200 detainees held at Florida’s controversial immigration processing center, colloquially known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” have vanished from federal records, according to reports from the Miami Herald and El País. The facility, located west of Miami, has been the subject of multiple lawsuits and allegations of mistreatment since its opening in July 2025. By…

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• #Freebenandjerrys

  Ben & Jerry’s has long been more than just an ice cream company. Founded in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in Burlington, Vermont, the company built its identity on a strong mission of social justice, community, and activism. Over the decades, it has become a case study in how brands can align with…

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• Understanding Recent Texas Immigration Policies During Hispanic Heritage Month

  As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the evolving landscape of immigration policies in Texas and their impact on our communities. Senate Bill 4: A Turning Point in State Immigration Enforcement In December 2023, Texas enacted Senate Bill 4, empowering state law enforcement…

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