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NEWS 11/5/24 11:40pm

First-ever election block party draws crowds

By Sophie Garlick

A line stretched across the academic quad this Election Day. In contrast to previous years, however, the line was not for voting at the Sewall Hall polling location — it was for the first-ever election block party hosted by the Center for Civic Engagement.  The event aimed to encourage student voting and engagement in politics, complete with a bouncy castle, free food and a DJ.

NEWS 11/5/24 11:40pm

Waits drop after morning voters crowd Sewall polling place

By Noa Berz

On Tuesday, 1,094 voters flocked to Rice’s Welcome Center to cast their ballots in the presidential, state and local elections. Wait times climbed to an hour shortly after the polling center’s doors opened at 7 a.m., with many hoping to beat the crowds during Rice’s first-ever non-instructional Election Day. The lines calmed down around noon, when students began congregating in the academic quad for the election block party. 

NEWS 11/5/24 11:39pm

IGNITE pushes for women in politics

By Eileen Chen

A new chapter of IGNITE, started under the national organization of the same name, was founded at Rice by Aleena Ahmad and Carmine Steiner this semester. The organization is dedicated to closing the gender gap in the political sphere by encouraging civil and political engagement for women and nonbinary people, according to their website.

NEWS 10/29/24 11:39pm

Students mobilize for Harris’ reproductive rights rally

By Riya Misra

Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a rally for reproductive rights Oct. 25. Musical artist Beyoncé headlined the rally, returning to her hometown to endorse Harris in the U.S. presidential race. Over 30,000 attendees — Harris’ largest rally turnout so far, her campaign said — packed the Shell Energy Stadium, emblazoned with signs saying “Trust Women” and “Vote for Reproductive Freedom.” Ten days before the election, Harris’ stop in Houston is a rare one: It’s the first time in 30 years that a candidate has campaigned in Texas, a state that last voted Democrat in 1976. 

NEWS 10/29/24 10:45pm

Sunrise Rice pushes for environmental change

By Krishna Chalise

A new chapter of the Sunrise Movement started this semester at Rice. With over 100 chapters across the country, the Sunrise Movement is a national activism organization that advocates for political action on climate change.   

NEWS 10/22/24 11:56pm

2024 Harris County Election Guide

 

If you’re voting in Harris County for this year’s elections, your ballot will have competitive federal, state and local races, in addition to three propositions. To help you make your choice at the polls, we’ve put together a voting guide detailing the ballot’s candidates and propositions.

NEWS 10/22/24 11:56pm

Candidates comment on Harris County hot-button issues

By Viola Hsia

Students registered in Harris County this year will vote in dozens of national, state and local races. While races for local and state elected officials see lower turnout than presidential elections, these candidates will be making decisions with local impact on the Rice community. 

NEWS 10/22/24 11:54pm

Remembering Kathryn Petree

By Noa Berz

McMurtry College sophomore Kathryn Petree passed away due to cancer complications last Saturday, Oct. 12. Kathryn matriculated a semester late to complete chemotherapy treatments, but those close to her say she left a mark on everyone in her time at Rice. Above all else, she is survived by memories of her incredible generosity and optimism. 

NEWS 10/22/24 10:53pm

Divestment referenda proposed to senate, demonstration and postering resolution passes

By James Cancelarich

Four referenda were introduced to the Student Association during the Oct. 21 senate meeting that call for university divestment from Israel-aligned companies and a university condemnation of the “horrific violence” in Gaza as part of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The SA also passed S.RES 05, a resolution that asks the university to review its recently revised demonstration and postering policies.

NEWS 10/22/24 10:52pm

Wiess announces a MAD new public

By Viola Hsia

Wiess College announced that their new public party theme will be a masquerade. The party will be officially titled “Masquerade After Dark” — MAD for short – according to the announcement made during Wiess’ Oct. 18 FITQ. According to Wiess co-Social Vice President Isabelle Shen, the public is scheduled for Jan. 25. Wiess co-Social Vice President Rocio Gras added that the event will be outdoors.

NEWS 10/8/24 11:36pm

Chabad at Rice hosts vigil for Oct. 7 anniversary

By James Cancelarich

Nearly 150 students, staff and faculty gathered at Farnsworth Pavilion for a vigil commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Held up by clothespins, pictures paying tribute to killed Israeli people lined the walls of the room. 

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