HOUSTON, TX – A wave of student frustration and urgent demands filled Emancipation Park Conservancy last night, as University of Houston (UofH) students convened an emergency town hall meeting. State Representative Jolanda Jones (District 147) organized the event in response to growing safety concerns on campus.
Representative Jones initiated the town hall to directly address the concerns of the UofH student body and to compile a list of actionable demands to present to university administration. Students were given three to five minutes each to voice their experiences and propose solutions, highlighting issues ranging from inadequate campus lighting and security to a perceived lack of mental health support.
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University of Houston students in Town Hall Meeting
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A prominent theme throughout the meeting was the students' perception of a disconnect between the administration's actions and their needs. Students expressed dissatisfaction with the limited number of new lights installed on campus, the restricted hours of the Cougar Ride service, and the alleged reallocation of funding from the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to athletics.
“I'm no longer hopeful that the University will do something – I demand that the University does something,” a student declared, capturing the collective sentiment.
Students presented a series of demands, including:
- Increased funding for CAPS to enhance mental health services.
- Provision of free self-defense classes for all interested students.
- Expansion of Cougar Ride operating hours to cover high-risk times.
- Increased police presence on campus.
- Reform of the excused absence policy for crime victims, potentially including tuition refunds for these students.
Discontent with the UofH administration, including President Renu Khator and alumnus Tilman J. Fertitta, was evident. Students cited a perceived disparity in police presence, noting increased enforcement during protests and for minor infractions like parking violations, while feeling vulnerable during serious incidents.
“Where were the police during the time the student was getting attacked yet they can give out parking violations without a problem?” a student questioned.
Representative Jones voiced concerns regarding transparency, noting discrepancies between information provided by the administration and the student body's accounts.
The town hall drew a number of government officials, including Texas Southern University Police Chief Bobby A. Brown, whose university is located about a mile from UofH, highlighting the community's concern. Also present were Lauren Byrne, Chief of Staff at the Harris County DA’s Office, Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz (District D), State Representative Charlene Ward Johnson (District 139), and a representative for Council Member Twila Carter (At-Large Position 3). These officials offered their contact information and support, with TSU Police Chief Brown providing an emergency contact number for UofH students.
Students expressed disappointment at the absence of UofH Police Chief Ceasar Moore and other university officials, despite invitations. A student body university representative attended the Town Hall to show their support, but clearly stated they were not there representing UofH.
We spoke with two students who stated their disappointment regarding the absence of the UofH officials.
Texas Southern University is located about a mile from the University of Houston.
We will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates.
