University of Houston asked students to wear neon vests after police drew weapon on a Black student

Student criticism has erupted at the University of Houston, causing officials to walk back a policy to have theater students wear neon vests while rehearsing outside. The policy came after a police officer drew their gun on two students back in November as they were rehearsing a scene for a play. (Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune)

The University of Houston has walked back a policy requiring theater students to wear vests while rehearsing scenes outdoors, a move put in place after a campus police officer drew a gun on a Black student while he was rehearsing a play.

The university’s decision, which was first reported by the Houston Chronicle, comes after it was criticized by students, who argued that the policy put the burden of their safety on them rather than on police. Students criticized administrators and campus police officers for failing to acknowledge and address the traumatic nature of the incident on students of color.