Company Directory - University of Houston
Company Details - University of Houston
University of Houston
WebsiteHouston, United States
University of Houston is a public research university known for its competitive athletic programs that participate in NCAA tournaments. It is recognized for a strong academic environment and a vibrant campus culture that includes a nationally competitive athletics department.
CCI Score
CCI Score: University of Houston
-2.27
Latest Event
University of Houston Defends Academic Freedom Amid Hinduphobia Controversy
Following a student complaint alleging that the 'Lived Hindu Religion' course was hinduphobic and misrepresented Hindu traditions, the University of Houston defended its academic standards and commitment to academic freedom. The institution emphasized maintaining oversight of the curriculum while allowing faculty the freedom to engage with complex religious and political topics, resisting pressures to alter academic discourse.
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BYSTANDER
University of Houston is currently rated as a Bystander.
Latest Events
- MAR302025
Following a student complaint alleging that the 'Lived Hindu Religion' course was hinduphobic and misrepresented Hindu traditions, the University of Houston defended its academic standards and commitment to academic freedom. The institution emphasized maintaining oversight of the curriculum while allowing faculty the freedom to engage with complex religious and political topics, resisting pressures to alter academic discourse.
+40
Public and Political Behavior
March 31
The University's defense of its course under the banner of academic freedom demonstrates a commitment to open inquiry and robust academic debate. By standing against calls to censor or alter the course content amidst claims of Hinduphobia, UH reinforces values that protect marginalized perspectives and foster resistance against authoritarian efforts to limit intellectual diversity.
- MAR292025
The University of Houston reaffirmed its commitment to academic freedom in response to a student complaint over its 'Lived Hindu Religion' course, defending the academic exploration of complex topics and clarifying the usage of analytical terms in religious studies.
+60
Public and Political Behavior
March 31
University of Houston’s defense of academic freedom and its measured response to student concerns emphasizes a commitment to free inquiry and balanced curriculum oversight. This response supports progressive academic values against authoritarian censorship, reinforcing open discourse in controversial subjects.
US university responds after India Today report on row over 'Hinduphobic' course
- FEB252025
Following a spike in campus crime and campus protests, the University of Houston has expedited the second phase of an $18 million security project that includes installing 400 new lighting assets and nearly 200 surveillance cameras across the Third Ward campus. Critics express concern that the rapid rollout of surveillance technology could suppress dissent and infringe on privacy rights.
-25
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 31
The accelerated installation of nearly 200 surveillance cameras, while justified as a response to a crime spike, raises red flags from an anti-authoritarian perspective. The use of surveillance technology—without addressing underlying safety and community concerns—could be indicative of practices that mirror repressive state surveillance. This approach may deter free expression and protest by subjecting campus activities to increased monitoring.
- FEB192025
The article presents the University of Houston lobbying profile as documented by OpenSecrets, highlighting the institution’s involvement in federal lobbying activities for the 2023 cycle. The profile, updated with data downloaded on February 19, 2025, details the lobbying landscape without specifying support for any authoritarian agenda.
+0
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 31
The profile outlines the University of Houston's lobbying activities without indicating any partisan or authoritarian bias. In the absence of evidence that the institution’s lobbying efforts support far-right or authoritarian initiatives, the activity is scored neutrally.
- DEC312024
University of Houston spent $40,000 on lobbying in 2024, as reported by OpenSecrets. This expenditure, while modest in comparison to corporate lobbying giants, represents an institutional effort to influence policy-making processes, raising questions about the use of public funds for political influence.
-10
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 31
The University of Houston's $40,000 lobbying spend in 2024, though relatively small, reflects an engagement in political influence activities. From an anti-authoritarian perspective, using public resources to lobby can contribute to entrenched power structures and may sideline grassroots democratic input.
- JAN012024
An OpenSecrets profile reveals that in the 2024 election cycle, the University of Houston made $316,229 in campaign contributions and spent $40,000 on lobbying. Additionally, all of its lobbyists in 2023 and 2024 have previously held government positions, highlighting a revolving door dynamic.
-15
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 31
The data shows that the University of Houston contributed a substantial amount ($316,229) to political campaigns and spent $40,000 on lobbying in the 2024 cycle. Such political contributions and lobbying efforts can be seen as part of a strategy to influence policy, and though the amounts are modest relative to large corporate donors, they still raise concerns regarding the integrity of political engagement and potential alignment with established political interests.
-15
Executive Political Engagement
March 31
The profile notes that all University of Houston lobbyists in 2023 and 2024 had previously held government jobs, highlighting a revolving door situation. This close connection between former government officials and the institution's lobbying efforts can raise concerns over regulatory capture and the blurring of public and private interests.
- OCT012023
The University of Houston UIT services page outlines its comprehensive IT offerings, including the installation and maintenance of surveillance camera systems across multiple campus locations. While these systems are presented as part of campus safety measures, their deployment raises concerns regarding potential over-surveillance and misuse in contexts that could suppress dissent.
-10
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 31
The inclusion of surveillance camera systems in the university's IT services, though intended to enhance security, may contribute to an environment of increased monitoring. From an anti-fascist perspective, such technology poses risks if misapplied, potentially leading to the suppression of dissent or marginalization of vulnerable groups.
- SEP252023
The University of Houston has published a detailed policy outlining the design, installation, operation, and review of electronic security systems across its facilities. The guidelines, effective upon the policy's last revision on 2023-09-25, mandate that all new installations—including access control, surveillance cameras, security alarms, and Code Blue phones—must be approved and integrated under UHPD oversight. The policy also establishes a multi-stakeholder Security Systems Review Committee to ensure compliance and integration with campus-wide safety protocols.
-20
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 31
The policy establishes mandatory electronic surveillance measures—such as integrated security camera systems and access controls—that, while intended for campus safety, also expand the use of repressive technologies. From an anti‐fascist perspective, increased surveillance can pose risks of authoritarian overreach if misused. Although the policy includes oversight measures and a multi-stakeholder review committee, the inherent expansion of surveillance infrastructure earns a negative score.
- JUL102023
A federal lawsuit alleges that University of Houston-Downtown neglected to discipline its former business school dean after repeated complaints of racial and homophobic discrimination. The suit, filed by a gay, Black employee, claims the institution fostered a hostile environment by ignoring discriminatory behavior and failing to protect marginalized staff.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 31
The lawsuit exposes allegations of systemic racial and homophobic discrimination, highlighting the university's failure to address serious complaints and protect its employees. Such neglect in upholding labor rights and ensuring an inclusive work environment undercuts ethical business practices, aligning with broader concerns over complicity in oppressive institutional behavior.
Lawsuit alleges U of Houston failed to address Black staffer’s claims that dean showed bias - Yahoo
- JAN012023
In 2023, University of Houston allocated $42,000 towards lobbying, as reported by OpenSecrets. This spending reflects an active engagement in influencing political processes.
-15
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 31
The university's expenditure on lobbying indicates an effort to influence policy decisions. From an anti-fascist perspective, such political activity—even when transparently reported—raises concerns about the use of public funds to potentially sway outcomes in ways that might undermine democratic accountability.
- JUN102022
The University of Houston settled a lawsuit with a conservative free speech group that had challenged its anti-discrimination policy, resulting in the university maintaining its amended anti-harassment policy. This outcome reinforces protections for marginalized groups against attempts to dilute such measures.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
March 31
By settling with a conservative group that challenged its anti-discrimination policy, the University of Houston effectively upheld an anti-harassment standard that protects marginalized communities. This move is viewed as a progressive, anti-fascist action that resists efforts to weaken safeguards against discrimination, reinforcing the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
- JUN102022
The University of Houston ended its broad-ranging harassment policy and agreed to a settlement paying $30,000 in court fees to Speech First, following a federal court ruling that the policy infringed on conservative students' free speech rights.
-60
Public and Political Behavior
March 31
The decision to terminate a comprehensive harassment policy under legal pressure undermines protections for marginalized groups and can be seen as a capitulation to conservative forces, eroding progressive public policy commitments on campus.
University of Houston ends harassment policy, pays settlement to conservatives
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 31
By rolling back its harassment policy and opting for a settlement, the University of Houston compromised its ethical responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive environment, marking a retreat from policies that safeguard marginalized communities.
University of Houston ends harassment policy, pays settlement to conservatives
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