Violence during homecomings on college campuses around the country is prompting Texas Southern University to make changes to its events this weekend.
“I’ve made the decision that homecoming events for Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, including tailgating activities will conclude at 7 p.m.,” University President James Crawford said in a Facebook post.
The change sparked mixed reactions among current and former Tigers.
“It’s a lot of mixed emotions going on right now, I understand what’s going on it’s just the objectivity of it,” TSU senior Jerry LeDoux III said.
“Within the moment right now, I’m not really upset about it ending at 7 p.m. Like did I feel a way in the moment, yes, but I understand taking those safety measures, the only thing I’ll say about is that we also uphold those safety measures with everything that we happen to do, you can’t stop a shooting,” TSU senior Jamarion Owens said.
At Jackson State University in Mississippi, an 11-year-old was shot near the tailgate area during a homecoming game, according to police last Saturday.
At the beginning of the month, ABC News reported two separate shootings on South Carolina State University’s campus that killed a woman and injured a man during a homecoming weekend concert.
And gunfire erupted in Montgomery, Alabama downtown during a busy weekend, including the state university’s homecoming.
“While this change may be disappointing to some, please know I make this decision with the care for our students, you alumni and everyone who joins us for homecoming of most in my mind,” Crawford said.
Alumni have expressed frustration online, but seniors ABC13 spoke with said they’re still hoping to make the most of their last homecoming as a current Tiger.
“When I learned about that I understood, I really didn’t take it too much to heart. It’s really just a matter of what you make it and still enjoying your experience,” Owens said.
“Had a good time regardless so I expect other people to do the same as well. Of course, you cannot please everybody,” LeDoux III said.
President Crawford also said there will be an increased law enforcement presence on Saturday with over 85 officers across the campus.
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