A personal perspective on disability rights

On Jan. 31, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a controversial executive order that directs state agencies to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This follows the passing of Senate Bill 17 in 2023, which eliminated DEI programs in public higher education institutions. DEI, in simple terms, refers to initiatives aimed to promote diversity, ensuring fair treatment for all, and creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of background, has equal access and opportunity. This decision has sparked a debate about whether it will protect or harm marginalized groups, especially those with disabilities. For me, the signing of this law hits…

The unexpected journey of online dating: A personal experience with harassment and how I found strength

As we step into 2025, I know I’m not alone in being single. For some, it’s a conscious decision – a time to focus on personal growth, education, or career. For others, it’s a consequence of a painful breakup, leading to a mixture of loneliness, random encounters, or simply trying to move on. For me, it all started with a simple message. Online dating: A new world of possibilities Dating apps aren’t for everyone. Some use them because they don’t have the time or energy to meet new people in their everyday lives. Others are curious, wanting to find someone…

Skyrocketing textbook prices are a cost to student equity

You are a student. You work hard to achieve the best grades possible in high school. You study and dedicate yourself to having a strong resume of grades and extracurriculars in order to gain admission to the college of your choosing. You get in! You pay thousands of dollars in order to attend this college and receive a higher education. You pay for all your materials, pencils, notebooks, laptops, transportation to and from. You get to class on your first day, and the required textbook has a price way beyond what you were expecting. You’re left with two options: continue…

Water crisis shows the need to be prepared

Brittany Claramunt blaramunt@foghornnews.com @BrittClaramunt   After the city’s fourth water problem of 2016 in December, the thought of having a plan in case it happens again was on many residents’ minds. It appeared we were having yet another water advisory on Jan. 19 when another chemical managed to get into the system. However, it did not get into the city’s system; it was only found in the Flint Hills water system, which is separate from the city’s supply. The brief misunderstanding sent people scrambling to H-E-B and Wal-Mart to buy bottled water before it sold out. The December advisory, which…

Media fumbles coverage of Kaepernick’s protest

Odrina Bazan obazan@ foghornnews.com To a degree, all comedy is social commentary and often hits the mark because it allows us to digest uncomfortable truths in a forgiving way. For instance, who doesn’t remember Dave Chappelle’s adventures with his buddy “Chip”? You can find the entire hourlong HBO special “Killing Them Softly” chopped up into bits on YouTube. Dave and Chip are lost in New York discussing current events, when they notice the cops within earshot. “DAVE! It’s the God damn cops…” long, uncomfortable pause,” I’m gonna ask ’em for directions.” If the joke doesn’t read so funny, it’s because…

Training key as we near state’s new college gun law

The topic of gun control has been a hot issue in the media and in presidential debates. However, in August a law took effect in Texas allowing students at public universities the right to carry their guns on campus if they are concealed carry permit holders. While the University of Texas and other four-year schools have already seen the change, to much criticism from faculty members and others, the law will not affect community colleges, such as Del Mar, until August 2017. Del Mar officials will likely be looking at what other colleges are doing in regards to declaring parts…

How strong a voice should students have when considering a concealed carry policy on campus?

Students gave their input about how they feel if they should have more of a voice when considering the concealed and carry policy on Del Mar campus. “I think the students should have a very strong voice on that. The main student body is the majority of people on the campus.” — Christian Puente, sound recording technology “I think they should have a strong voice because we are all together or it should at least be a unanimous decision.” — Giselle Garcia, sound recording technology “I believe that they should at least have a town hall meeting and maybe even…