Texas State is known as a Hispanic serving institution due to the fact that the population of Hispanic students has been steadily increasing over the years. The percentage of Hispanic students is now at 37%. However, in recent years President Denise Trauth has shown time and time again that the university only protects their own interests, and that demands are only met when the image of the university is threatened.
Recently, a tweet was released showing that the American Council on Education wrote a letter to congressional leaders regarding protection for DACA recipients. This letter was signed by multiple universities in support of legislation for DACA students. But on the list of universities who signed, Texas State was not one of them. This tweet went viral to Texas State students from being posted by College Democrats at Texas State. Hours after the tweet circulated, Trauth responded to the post saying she had signed the letter and similar letters in the past. The university was not shown on the list before, but then was on afterwards once the tweet became viral. Trauth's quick to hurry response seemed like a move to save face, and to prevent any further outrage from students.
As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), grants are given to the university meant to further expand on educational programs and resources in order provide more opportunity for Hispanic students. In 2012, when Texas State was awarded $456,387 in federal funds for being an HSI, we do not know exactly how that money was allocated. And six years later, we still see little evidence of the Texas State Administration creating more programs or funding for Hispanic students. In 2017, Trauth traveled to Mexico in order to create more ties and opportunity for Texas State and Hispanic students. But again, no evidence of change for the institution is shown besides a press release stating Trauth has close ties to Mexico, which looks more like a public relations tactic than an active way of trying to serve Hispanic students.
When it comes to Texas State being Hispanic serving, most of the work is done by the students themselves. Many Hispanic organizations such as Latinas Unidas, Hombres Unidos and SCOPE were all created by students for students who wanted more connections and resources. Without student prospects, Texas State would not have gotten a full-time immigration attorney on campus who helps DACA students. The attorney was only given to students after a sit-in protest by students in 2018, regarding corrupt student government. The attorney was only one request among other demands that would help to serve a more diverse curriculum and better protection for students. This also happened a year after student legislation written in 2017 failed by one vote to bring on an immigration attorney.
And when news releases get released talking about what a Hispanic serving institution Texas State is, not much is mentioned about student empowerment, but about Texas State’s image as a Hispanic Serving institution with a few alumni from years past mentioned. Again, these press releases are made when it is relevant, which is during Hispanic heritage month. And just because mentioning Texas State is a HSI, does not mean it is actually catering to the Hispanic students all year around.
The Latino/a studies minor program was just offered in 2018. And so far, only two courses within the minor are even offered. A couple Texas State has been a HIS since 2010 and the progress of being more inclusive has been slow and far from progressive in terms of the administration trying to accommodate.
If Texas State was as much of a HSI as they say they are, there would be a more diverse curriculum and more empowerment throughout the years since 2010, that also doesn’t just fall during Hispanic Heritage Month.
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