Originally published in the San Antonio Current. State Rep. Ina Minjarez hesitates before posting a photo on social media of the taco she’s about to eat. Though her Facebook page is personable, and the essence of her personality comes across in her posts, she admits sharing online is hard because she’s an introvert who enjoyed…
Students and SA City Leaders Take Anti-Bullying Pledge
San Antonio City leaders, along with scores of local teens, stood on the steps of City Hall on August 16 and took a pledge against cyberbullying. Among those present at Wednesday’s press conference were San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, State Sen. José Menéndez, Police Chief William McManus, City Councilwoman Ana Sandoval and City Councilman Clayton…
Mayor Nirenberg to Participate in SA’s Pride Parade
Newly-elected Mayor Ron Nirenberg will make history when he becomes the second mayor of San Antonio to participate in the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade, which this year takes place on Saturday, July 1. James Poindexter, board secretary of Pride San Antonio, told Out In SA Nirenberg has been named a Grand Marshal for the…
David’s Law Ready for Governor’s Signature
A law aimed at preventing and combating cyber-bullying is headed to Texas Governor Greg Abbot’s desk after receiving a majority of votes in the House of Representatives and an unanimous vote in the Texas Senate. The new measure, Senate Bill 179, is dubbed David’s Law after David Molak, a 16-year-old Alamo Heights High School student…
Texas Senate Passes Anti-Bullying Bill Named for SA Student
The Texas Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 179, legislation that cracks down on bullying in the state’s public schools. SB 179 was introduced in the Senate by State Senator Jose Menendez. In January, Menendez called for the passage of the bill saying, “Cyberbullying is a crisis in Texas and across the nation. Families need our…
Could an Anti-Cyberbullying Bill Do More Harm Than Good For Texas Kids?
Originally published in the San Antonio Current In December, a pair of San Antonio state lawmakers filed a bill to address what seems to be a universally agreed-upon menace: Cyberbullying. In particular, aggressive cyberbullying across social media platforms by school-aged kids — the kind that can push kids to commit suicide. But with its focus…
Calls to Pass Cyberbullying Law on Anniversary of Student’s Death
Two San Antonio lawmakers are calling for the passage of an anti-bullying law named in honor of David Bartlett Molak, a 16-year-old Alamo Heights High School student who one year ago committed suicide after being bullied by classmates on social media over his physical appearance. To mark the first anniversary of Molak’s passing, State Senator…
SA Lawmakers File Anti-Bullying Law
On November 14, State Senator Jose Menendez and State Representative Ina Minjarez will introduce a law aimed at preventing and combating cyber-bullying. The bill is being filed on the first day legislation can be introduced for consideration by the 85th session of the Texas Legislature. The new measure, dubbed David’s Law, is named after David…
Top Ten SA Schools With Most Bullying Complaints
A report published on August 22 in the San Antonio Express-News reveals there were 777 claims of bullying and harassment in San Antonio area schools during the 2014-2015 school year. The list was compiled from information the Express-News obtained under the Texas open records law. Seventeen school districts representing almost 200 schools were tallied. While…
Quizzing the candidates in the Texas District 124 runoff
A pop quiz for Delicia Herrera and Ina Minjarez but only one responds Four candidates vied in a March 31 special election for the Texas House District 124 seat left empty after Jose Menendez joined the Texas Senate, where he replaced Leticia Van de Putte. In a runoff slated for April 21, Ina Minjarez, who…