NAACP, University of Texas students allege 'Eyes of Texas' fosters 'hostile environment'

The NAACP and a group of students at the University of Texas - Austin have filed a federal complaint alleging that school administrators have fostered a "hostile environment" for Black students by continuing to play the controversial school song "The Eyes of Texas" at games and other school events.

In the complaint, filed Friday morning with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, the Texas chapter of the NAACP and a group of anonymous students argued that the university had continued to keep the song as an official part of the university "despite its racially offensive origin, context and meaning," according to the Texas Tribune.

A 2020 report commissioned by University President Jay Hartzell found that while the song was previously used in minstrel shows and in periods where Black students were not allowed on campus, the song itself had "no racist intent."

The university announced in April that while it would not force football players and students to sing the controversial song at the end of games, the Longhorn Band would be required to perform it, and the school would create an additional band that would not play it.

However, the Friday complaint alleged that the creation of a separate marching band violates equal protection rights granted under the 14th Amendment.

The Tribune reported that the NAACP and students who filed the complaint said that the university has not adequately responded to reports of racial harassment against Black students and others who have vocally opposed the song.

more:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/naacp-university-of-texas-students-allege-eyes-of-texas-fosters-hostile-environment/ar-AAOe2YQ

Judge Peter Sakai resigns from the 225th District Court

Judge Sakai's leadership, adoption of foster children in Bexar County has increased nearly 1000% from 1995 to 2005

The courthouse said Sakai's resignation is effective Oct. 31. Judge Sakai submitted his letter of resignation to the Governor's Office.

A letter from Judge Sakai said reflected on his 16 years as the judge going through four elections and standing on his promise to "protect the children, empower families and improve the system."

Judge Sakai said since he has fulfilled his promises, he is ready to embark on a new path of his life.

Judge Sakai said his last duty was the calling and presiding over the special status hearing docket for foster children without places to go. In his letter, he asks Governor Abbott to do what he can for the children.

The judge did not say what he plans to do once he resigns.

https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/judge-peter-sakai-resigns-from-the-225th-district-court/273-e7708752-d81d-4e0a-9364-203b0ede828d

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Children's Court Division & Programs

In November 2006, Judge Peter Sakai was elected to the 225th District Court bench, succeeding his friend and mentor, Senior Judge John J. Specia.

Judge Sakai was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. He graduated from McAllen High School in 1972 and attended then named Pan American University. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1976 and graduated with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas Law School in 1979. At the age of 27 years old, he was appointed to be the Chief of the Juvenile Section of the District Attorney's Office. He left the D.A.'s office for private practice. In 1989, he was appointed to be the Juvenile Master/Referee of the 289th District Court (Juvenile Court).

On January 1, 1995, Associate Judge Peter Sakai was appointed to the Children's Court bench by the unanimous vote of the Bexar County Civil District Court Judges. He was assigned to hear cases that involve child abuse and neglect cases and the adoption cases that involve foster children.

Through Judge Sakai's leadership, adoption of foster children in Bexar County has increased nearly 1000% from 1995 to 2005. Bexar County routinely leads the State of Texas for the number of foster children with consummated adoptions and permanent homes. For his efforts, President (then Governor) George W. Bush recognized Judge Sakai and his model court on the Governor's Committee to Promote Adoption.

https://www.bexar.org/1986/Childrens-Court-Division-Programs

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Former Marine arrested in Florida shooting that killed family of 4 is denied bond

PUBLISHED: September 6, 2021 at 5:17 p.m

The former Marine who allegedly murdered a family of four in Lakeland, Fla., and left an 11-year-old girl in critical condition Sunday was denied bond Monday during his first court appearance.

Bryan Riley, 33, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of attempted first degree murder of law enforcement officers, cruelty to an animal, shooting into a building, arson and burglary.

Riley, a trained sharpshooter who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, surrendered to police Sunday morning after a shootout with officers from inside the Lakeland home, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

The self-described “survivalist” first showed up at the house around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, when he told a woman that God sent him to speak with one of her daughters, Amber. The woman told him that there was no Amber there and he left, only to stop down the road and tell two more people that he was looking for Amber, who he claimed God had told him intended to commit suicide.

The woman called police, who searched for about 20 minutes, then left, finding neither Riley nor his car.

Riley then allegedly went home to Brandon, talked to his girlfriend and returned to Lakeland around 4:30 a.m.

That’s when a Polk County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant who happened to be in the area heard “two volleys of automatic gunfire,” Judd said during a press conference Sunday.

Responding police arrived at the house to find a truck on fire and heard a popping noise coming from the front yard. There, Riley was “totally outfitted in body armor and looked as though he was ready to engage us in an active shooter situation,” Judd said. Glow sticks were laid out in a path between the road and the residence.

Riley ran back inside the house when he saw the police, at which point the deputies heard a gunshot, a woman scream and a baby “whimper,” according to Judd.

more:

https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/09/06/former-marine-arrested-in-florida-shooting-that-killed-family-of-4-is-denied-bond/