Texas Round Up: What’s Happenin’ around Texas?

Austin – Following is a statement from University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers regarding today’s court ruling in the case of Fisher versus University of Texas. The ruling relates to the use of ethnicity as one factor in determining college admissions. “We are very pleased with the Court’s ruling recognizing the constitutionality of the University’s admissions policy under the Supreme Court’s recent guidance. “We remain committed to assembling a student body at The University of Texas at Austin that brings with it the educational benefits of diversity while respecting the rights of all students. This ruling ensures that our campus, our state and the entire nation will benefit from the exchange of ideas and thoughts that happens when students who are diverse in all regards come together in the classroom, at campus events and in all aspects of campus life.”

Dallas – Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III, senior pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church says fear-mongering has no place in the House of God. Haynes was addressing statements by another Dallas mega-church pastor whose remarks appeared to support turning away children and adults crossing the border illegally into the United States. The issue of thousands of children needing help has become a humanitarian mission that according to Haynes is fully in line with the words of Jesus Christ and the mission of the true church.The Rev. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, made his statements on a nationally televised talk show that seemed to suggest supporting the idea of people staying within their own borders and rendering unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar, further indicating the notion of following man-made laws and doing what needs to be done to shut down the border.

Fort Worth – Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, was recognized by founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, Rep. Mike McIntyre, as a new member of the caucus at their Youth Sports Day event in Washington, D.C.  Veasey will join Reps. Jim Jordan, Ron Kind, and Patrick Meehan as co-chair of the caucus in the 114th Congress to promote healthy lifestyles for children and their families through sports. “As a father and passionate advocate of physical activity in kids, I know that participation in group or individual sports offers a multitude of benefits that extends far beyond the court, field, or the arena,” said Rep. Veasey. “I’m honored and privileged to become co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports and look forward to working with my colleagues for the protection and safety of our children: fighting obesity where we can, helping to promote physical activity and fitness, and supporting an all-around healthier lifestyle for our youth.”

Fort Worth – Everest College in North Fort Worth is the latest  educational institution shut down after a federal investigation into its practices. There has been a growing concern about for-profit colleges in that many of its students struggle to find work and end up carrying a high student loan burden. Students at for-profit colleges represent only about 13 percent of the total higher education population, but about 31 percent of all student loans and nearly half of all loan defaults, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Problems sprouted for the Santa Ana, Calif.-based Corinthian Colleges Inc. when it declined to provide enrollment and job placement data required by federal law after five months of requests from the U.S Department of Education. The Department’s Federal Student Aid office put a 21-day wait on federal aid to Corinthian in late June, after it failed to address issues and concerns about its practices including job placement for graduates, and allegations of altered grades and attendance.

Houston – Whitney Clark is a cook at Whataburger, but mean words abut her weight and some questionable actions caused a stir with her mother over managers cleaning assignment at her job. Clark’s mother shot cell phone video of her daughter working on the floors through the window. She expressed disbelief over what her daughter had been ordered to do. She said her daughter was on her hands and knees for four long hours, cleaning the dining room floor, and the floors in both the men’s and women’s restrooms. According to the mother, the worst part was she didn’t even think to put gloves on and they didn’t even have the gloves out,” said Clark. Clark said she injured her knees. She filed a workman’s comp claim and has also lodged a complaint the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

HOUSTON – Lone Star College-North Harris has announced its newest partnership with three Houston-area KIPP high schools KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. KIPP schools enroll all interested students, space permitting, regardless of prior academic record, conduct or socioeconomic background. By providing a safe and structured learning environment, more time in school, and passionate, committed teachers, KIPP schools have helped students make significant academic gains. Starting in fall 2014, LSC-North Harris will be offering KIPP high school students the opportunity to enroll in dual-credit courses, while they are still in high school. The partnership will include KIPP Generations Collegiate, KIPP Sunnyside High School and KIPP Houston High School. The new dual-credit partnership for fall 2014 will include courses in English, college algebra, sociology, government and economics. All students must meet certain TSI test requirements to be eligible to enroll in dual-credit classes.

Houston– Airman Danzel Gilmore, an aviation boatswain’s mate (fuels) from Houston, Texas and 2009 graduate from Lamarque High School, is serving on one of the world’s largest warships, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). USS Harry S. Truman is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and one of only ten operational aircraft carriers in the Navy today, protecting and defending America on the world’s oceans. Tens of thousands of young American men and women are deployed around the world doing just that, and they are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times. Approximately 2,500 men and women make up the ship’s company, which keeps all parts of the aircraft carrier running smoothly — this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the nuclear reactors. Another 2,500 or so form the air wing, the people who actually fly and maintain the aircraft.