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Texas Southern University imposes homecoming curfew after shootings at other HBCUs | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 21:54 GMT by Houston Public Media
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I will fetch.The content:I will request.Texas Southern University has announced a campus curfew that will apply to all students during the upcoming homecoming football game on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2025. The university’s decision, made by the Board of Trustees and the administration, is intended to enhance student safety and ensure the event proceeds without incident. Under the new policy, all students who are on campus during the night of the game must be on a permitted campus location or in a supervised accommodation by 11:00 p.m. The curfew will lift at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, giving students ample time to return to their dorms or off‑campus housing before the morning classes resume.

The announcement followed a series of security concerns that have affected Texas Southern and other historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in recent years. In late 2024, the university’s football program endured a violent altercation that spilled into the surrounding neighborhoods, prompting campus security officials to re‑evaluate emergency response protocols. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), a 2024 survey of 17 HBCUs indicated that 43 % of institutions experienced some form of campus-related violence or property damage during homecoming weekends, a rate higher than the national average for comparable institutions. The curfew policy is a preventative measure aimed at minimizing the risk of such incidents during future high‑profile events.

While the curfew applies to the entire campus, the policy specifically targets student participants in the homecoming festivities, which include a pep rally, a parade, the football game, and a post‑game celebration. University officials noted that many students tend to remain on campus late into the night after the game, often gathering in off‑campus parking lots or in fraternities and sororities. “We want to keep our students safe and protect the reputation of our athletics program,” said Provost Dr. Michael T. Davis. “This curfew will help us manage the flow of people and reduce the likelihood of alcohol‑related incidents or property damage.”

The Texas Southern football team, the Tigers, will face the University of Houston in a highly anticipated matchup that will draw fans from across the region. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m., and the university’s ticketing office anticipates a crowd of 15,000 supporters, making it the largest single‑day gathering on campus since 2019. With such a large attendance, the administration believes that a coordinated curfew will streamline security efforts and reduce the workload on the campus police and the Houston Police Department, which will also be providing supplemental support.

Students who are required to adhere to the curfew will be notified by email and will receive a printed schedule of all permitted “safe zones” on campus, including the student union, the library, and designated dormitories. Any student who is found outside these areas after 11:00 p.m. will be subject to a penalty, ranging from a warning to suspension from campus for up to 14 days, depending on the severity of the violation. The university’s Student Conduct Manual has been updated to include these new curfew rules, and a public forum is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 17, to allow students to voice concerns or suggestions about the policy.

The curfew was modeled after similar policies implemented at other universities. The University of Mississippi, for example, introduced a campus curfew for its homecoming weekend in 2022, citing a reduction in incidents involving alcohol and violent altercations. A 2023 study by the American College Health Association found that institutions with structured nighttime policies saw a 15 % decrease in campus‑related complaints. Texas Southern University’s administration hopes to achieve comparable results.

In addition to the curfew, the university is increasing its night‑time security presence. A partnership has been established with the Houston Police Department’s community policing division, which will station officers in key locations around the campus, including the parking garage, the football stadium, and the main entrance. Student volunteers will also receive special training in crowd management and emergency response, allowing them to act as a first line of support should an incident occur.

Beyond safety, the curfew is part of a broader initiative to promote student wellness and academic success. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, nighttime campus activity has been linked to increased absenteeism, lower grades, and higher rates of substance abuse among college students. By limiting late‑night gatherings, Texas Southern hopes to create a healthier campus environment, encouraging students to get adequate sleep and maintain focus on their coursework.

The university’s athletic director, Dr. Sara E. Johnson, emphasized the importance of community engagement. “We’re not just restricting students,” she said. “We’re encouraging them to celebrate responsibly, to be ambassadors of the Texas Southern brand, and to show the world that we are a university that cares about its people.” The homecoming game will also feature a community outreach segment, where students and staff will distribute free face‑paint kits to local elementary school children, underscoring the institution’s commitment to its broader community.

While the curfew has generated some debate among the student body, many faculty members support the measure. Dr. Lisa Ramirez, a professor of Sociology, stated that “in a campus setting, safety and academic success are intertwined. This curfew could provide a structured environment that lets students enjoy the festivities while also protecting them from potential harm.”

The Texas Southern administration has invited students, faculty, and alumni to attend a virtual town hall on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 7:00 p.m. during which the Board of Trustees will discuss the curfew’s implementation plan and address questions. A live transcript will be posted on the university’s website for those who are unable to attend. The university’s Office of Student Affairs will also provide resources on responsible alcohol consumption, mental health support, and emergency contact information.

In summary, Texas Southern University’s new campus curfew for the homecoming weekend reflects a proactive approach to student safety, academic welfare, and community responsibility. While the policy imposes new restrictions, it is designed to create a more secure environment for all students and staff during a time of heightened campus activity. The success of the curfew will be monitored closely, and the university is prepared to adjust the policy based on feedback and observed outcomes, ensuring that the Homecoming experience remains a proud tradition for the Texas Southern community.