Special Projects

Dismantling subtle racism by reshaping incentives

Before moving to the U.S., I had been cautioned about racism, but I reassured myself: It’s a new generation; people are more conscious. For the most part, I wasn’t wrong. But what no one warned me about was the racism that lingers in the air, unspoken yet deeply felt. It exists in the assumptions people hold, in the way they speak with confidence about other cultures while knowing so little.

Rice protects rich abusers — but we shouldn’t

“Culture of care” is our central motto at Rice. Orientation Week, Beer Bike, publics and even random days are accompanied by the phrase — a reminder that we’re always supposed to protect each other. We do not stand for harm. Yet even after being previously exposed for failing victims of sexual violence, Rice continues to bury cases in the name of its image, and more importantly, its endowment.

DEI office name change is symbolic, maybe necessary

Amidst federal funding cuts impacting research and firings of federal workers, higher education feels chaotic right now. At first glance, it seems alarming that Rice’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was renamed to the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence, announced in a campus-wide email. However, we feel this name change is mostly symbolic and necessary to ensure Rice can continue supporting those values — in action, if not in name.

Hoot returns after a month

Say goodbye to those unsatisfied late night cravings, because The Hoot has reopened as of Feb. 17.

Darr runs for treasurer amid electoral confusion

Jackson Darr is running unopposed for treasurer in the ongoing SA elections, which are set to conclude March 6 after being delayed by ballot errors. 

‘Real life sort of friendship’: Nudge app launches at Rice

Nudge, a social media app created by McMurtry College sophomores Ben Rubin and Yining Zhang, launched Feb. 24. Rubin and Zhang say the platform aims to promote in-person social interaction and authentic sharing. Nudge currently has 300 users. 

Glasscock School introduces undergrad teaching minor

The Glasscock School for Continuing Studies introduced a new teaching minor, which is now available to declare. The minor is the first undergraduate program offered by the Glasscock School.

‘Topping Out’ next step for new business building

Rice Business celebrated the completion of the highest point of its new building with a “topping out” ceremony Feb. 28, where President Reggie DesRoches and Peter Rodriguez, dean of the Jones Graduate School of Business, signed the building’s final beam before it was lifted into place atop the structure. 

Rice reflects on Black History Month

Rice concluded its Black History Month celebrations, which lasted from February until early March and featured more than 30 events highlighting Black culture, history and contributions to labor movements.

SA voting delayed one day after ballot errors

The Student Association election ballot was recalled just an hour after it went live, after voters found errors in the ballot’s language. At the end of the ballot, voters were presented with five different constitutional amendments, which proposed varying changes — ranging from grammatical fixes to raising the Blanket Tax. The ballot only allowed students one vote instead of five individual ones, presenting the amendments as a bundle.

SA candidates debate Blanket Tax, DEI

Candidates for Student Association president, internal vice president and external vice president took to Pub’s stage Feb. 24 to answer questions about their candidacy and the future of the SA. They debated topics like SA efficacy, budget concerns and national politics.

‘Collateral damage’: Houston’s top horn musician allegedly harassed Rice students for decades. And the school knew.

Rice University’s famed horn professor William VerMeulen abruptly retired last spring amid a swirl of sexual misconduct allegations. But dozens of students and industry insiders say “the administration has known for 30 years” — and failed to act.

Tobey runs unopposed for SA president, Flemister conducts write-in campaign

Trevor Tobey is formally unopposed for Student Association president. If the Hanszen College junior is elected, this will be his fourth year in the SA, following terms as a new student representative, a senator and, most recently, parliamentarian. This is Tobey’s second presidential campaign, after his loss to Jae Kim last year. 

Nair, Sandhu vie for IVP in upcoming SA election

Ananya Nair and Sohani Sandhu are running for internal vice president in the Student Association election. 

Dastur runs for EVP uncontested after Zahra withdraws from race

Mahtab Dastur, a current Duncan College New Student Representative, is campaigning for External Vice President uncontested. She was previously running against McMurtry College sophomore Lajward Zahra, who announced her withdrawal from the race, citing “unforeseen personal circumstances,” at the Student Association debate Feb. 24. At the debate, Zahra endorsed Dastur for the role.

No candidate for SA secretary, Lovett freshman conducts 11th hour bid for treasurer

No candidate has come forward to campaign for SA secretary and, up until Feb. 25, treasurer. Jackson Darr, a Lovett College freshman, announced his candidacy for treasurer late Tuesday night, the second-to-last day for campaigning and 20 days after candidate petitions were due. In a statement to the Thresher, Darr sent his campaign statement linked on the SA website.

02-26-2025 Crossword Solutions

02-26-2025 Crossword: "One of Us?"

Backpage Enters SA-Thresher Discourse

02-26-2025 "Owl-American"

“We’re so back.”