It’s unfortunate that an awareness program for sexual assault and domestic abuse is needed on our middle and high school campuses, but a response to high profile cases involving professional and college athletes is needed to raise awareness and prevent sexual abuse here closer to home.
The ProtectHer Project, an initiative of the Texas High School Coaches Association, will initially target middle and high school athletes but will eventually be expanded to include all students. A video is expected to be ready to distribute this summer.
Athletes are often leaders on their campuses, and reaching that group with a message about the legal concept of consent, justice and accountability is a good way to get that message spread to the broader middle and high school communities. The Coaches Association eventually plans to expand the program to include all students.
Dating violence won’t be stopped by ignoring it. Coaches in Texas are taking positive steps to raise awareness in our schools, and we hope that makes a difference in the way our young men treat our young women.

One more day to vote early
The polls in Port Arthur have been open for more than a week for early voting, and so far fewer than 100 people a day are making time to get to an early vote location and cast a ballot. The polls will be open again Tuesday for the last day of early voting before Saturday’s election day.
Brandon Bartie, Joe Guillory and Debra Ambroise are challenging Lloyd Marie Johnson, Gregory Flores and Dianne Brown for seats on the Port Arthur Independent School District Board. Keith Richard is challenging Willie “Bae” Lewis for the District 5 seat on the Port Arthur City Council and Jeff Ortiz is challenging Talmadge “T.C.” Austin for a spot on the Nederland City Council.
Don’t let the opportunity get away. Get to the polls early to make sure your vote is counted on election day.