The State of Texas: February 1, 2016

Image of the Day

So, apparently, there has been a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine van (and full crew) going around Austin for, like, years. Below is proof. Here’s the fun backstory.

Austin Streets Brightened by Real Life Mystery Machine https://t.co/Rmr7qqjP8R pic.twitter.com/iMdfHBSMdT

— the Austinot (@theAustinot) January 31, 2016

Daily Roundup

The Blindside — Remember all that trouble at Baylor over a football player, a sexual assault, and what Baylor officials knew about it? Yeah, it probably wasn’t a one-time thing. ESPN has a pretty upsetting investigation that begins with the rape of one freshman by football player Tevin Elliott (multiple students eventually came forward, Elliot was convicted on two counts in 2014). Although Elliot was convicted for assault, there’s compelling evidence that Baylor has failed to take care of alleged sexual assault victims. “[A]n investigation … found several examples in Tanya’s case, and others at Baylor, in which school officials either failed to investigate, or adequately investigate, allegations of sexual violence. In many cases, officials did not provide support to those who reported assaults,” according to the story by ESPN’s investigative arm Outside the Lines. “Moreover, it took Baylor more than three years to comply with a federal directive: In April 2011, the U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to all colleges and universities outlining their responsibilities under Title IX, including the need for each school to have a Title IX coordinator. Baylor didn’t hire a full-time coordinator until fall 2014.” Frustratingly, Baylor isn’t one of the 161 school being investigated by federal authorities for their handling of investigations related to sexual violence. The university, including its police and athletic department, went on lockdown when asked about the issue. At least one “former member of a Baylor advisory board that reviewed sexual assault-response issues with community leaders, told Outside the Lines university officials have known for at least a few years of a much larger problem with sexual assaults and athletes.” The rest of the story is as maddening as you might expect and worth the read.

Johnny Trouble — Come on, Johnny. The great Texas hope who had some issues with partying during and after his time at A&M now has much bigger problems. “Police were ‘actively working’ Saturday to see if a crime occurred during an altercation between Johnny Manziel and a TCU student he’s been dating,” according to the San Antonio Express-News. “Details are vague, but after Fort Worth police determined that an assault had possibly occurred, they searched for him with a helicopter because the woman was worried about Manziel’s well-being. A Fort Worth Police Department news release Saturday afternoon says police were responding to a call at the Berkeley Luxury Apartment Homes near TCU at about 2 a.m. Saturday when they came across a 23-year-old woman who told them she had been in a disturbance with her ex-boyfriend earlier in Dallas.” As the story notes, “Fort Worth police made no arrests and didn’t find a crime scene within their jurisdiction.” This isn’t the first time Manziel and his girlfriend (it’s not clear if it’s the same person in this incident) have had possible violent incidents, either. And the once-future king has been spotted at numerous bars and clubs despite his efforts at treatment facilities. You’re only 23, Johnny! There’s so much life to live.

Just Flirting — Governor Greg Abbott has said he’ll “weigh in” on the GOP’s presidential nominee race before March 1. Considering that no self-respecting Republican actually endorses Donald Trump and Ted Cruz is a hometown boy, it’s kinda curious that Abbott hasn’t put his finger on the scale yet. Maybe it’s because politics is politics, no matter how craven. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has a fun and interesting look at the Governor’s reticence. Most of it has to do with the rumors (they’re always rumors!) swirling that Trump would consider Abbott for the vice president spot on his ticket. Or, um, not? “Abbott, who has indicated that he would decline to be Trump’s vice president if asked, said he wants to make sure the GOP’s presidential nominee understands the U.S. Constitution, plans to secure the border and will work to ‘get us away from the overreaching federal government that we’ve been dealing with for the past seven years,'” according to the piece. At least one talking head has said a Trump-Abbott ticket would be the best thing ever, which is always enough to justify rabid media coverage. But Abbott remains firm in his “wait and see” approach.

Southern Uncomfortable — So how did that ill-conceived (historically inaccurate for Texas, at least) antebellum ball in Georgetown go? Well, there were rebels. “About 100 people carrying signs that said ‘History not Hatred’ and ‘Pride Not Prejudice’ protested outside” the ball and “most of them had signed a petition saying the Old South Ball — a sold-out fundraiser for the nonprofit Williamson Museum — was racist and evoked ugly memories of slavery,” according to the Austin American-Statesman. Apparently, there were people dressed in Union outfits, Confederate outfits, at at least one dude dressed as a “freighter.” Oh, and there was boozy punch. Were they talkin’ about the “good ol days,” inside the ball, which was supported by the both the city council and the Williamson Museum? Who knows! “A guard at the door of the courthouse declined to allow a Statesman reporter into the dance Saturday.”

Springing Back — It’s the cheerleading (and God) controversy that just won’t quit. “The Texas Supreme Court reinstated a lawsuit that was dismissed in 2014 over an independent school district banning bible quotes from banners at high school football games,” according to the Dallas Morning News. “The lawsuit — which centered around cheerleaders from Kountze ISD — was thrown out in 2014 after the school district walked backed from the policy that banned religious-themed signs. But in an appeal to the Texas Supreme Court, attorneys argued the school district could reinstate the ban without a ruling.” Considering his recent pronouncements regarding police officers posting “In God We Trust” on government vehicles, it should be no surprise that Attorney Ken Paxton offered praise for the decision. ““I’m pleased the Texas Supreme Court has ensured that the Kountze cheerleaders will be able to continue defending their right to express their faith – the most fundamental of American freedoms.” Rah, rah.