The NAACP strongly denounces President Donald Trump’s alarming and reckless rhetoric proposing that the federal government should “nationalize” elections, calling it a desperate effort to further erode - and ultimately undermine - the core foundations of American democracy. Read more here.

On Monday morning, Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, issued legal guidance stating that many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in both public and private settings are unconstitutional. For several years, Republican lawmakers in Texas have sought to eliminate diversity initiatives within state government, and the new guidance suggests the private sector could face similar scrutiny next. Read more here.

Officials at Texas State University canceled plans to host a traveling Black history exhibit, citing Texas’ anti-DEI legislation and the exhibit’s subject matter, according to an email sent to the exhibit’s founder. Read more here.

The Texas NAACP is introducing a new initiative aimed at addressing what it describes as “unprotected hate speech” on college campuses. The effort follows reports to the organization from African American students at Texas State University who told NAACP President Gary Bledsoe that they have experienced harassment from fellow students. Read more here.

Texas Republicans, at the urging of former President Donald Trump, are pushing an unusual mid-decade redistricting measure through the Legislature aimed at boosting GOP representation in Congress. If it passes, people in Austin could end up in the same district as rural Texans living over 300 miles away. Read more here.

Over 50 Democratic members of the Texas House now face civil arrest warrants and $500-per-day fines after walking out to block a Republican-led redistricting proposal. Many have left Texas, while GOP leaders push to compel their return. Because there is no quorum, the House is unable to legally conduct business. On Monday, Republicans convened for a special session at the Capitol, but it was gaveled in and adjourned almost immediately when it became clear there weren’t enough lawmakers present. Read more here.

In 1968, dentist Dr. Sidney White Jr. and his wife, Helen White, an educator and community activist, began pursuing their vision of a dream home. They were drawn to Westover Hills, a recently developed neighborhood in Austin just north of the popular Northwest Hills. But one fact stood in their way: the Whites were Black. One builder after another—half a dozen in all—refused to work with them. Read more here.

President Nelson Linder has made a recommendation for those interested to read the book, "The African Awakening." This book explores the rise of youth-led movements and political activism across Africa, highlighting how a new generation is challenging authoritarianism, corruption, and inequality. Using protests, social media, and grassroots organizing, young Africans are demanding democratic reforms and accountability. The book underscores a renewed sense of political consciousness and pan-African solidarity, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by state repression and systemic obstacles. It offers a hopeful yet realistic look at the continent's ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination. You can purchase the book here.

Harvard is challenging the Trump administration's attempt to limit the enrollment and attendance of foreign students, at least temporarily, by filing a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS has stated that current international students at Harvard must transfer to another institution or risk losing their legal status in the U.S. Harvard’s attorneys are presenting their arguments in federal court in Massachusetts, as the administration moves to restrict both the university’s federal funding and the status of its international students. Read more here.