Web Historical Disclaimer:
This is a historical page
and is no longer maintained. Read our
Web history statement for more information.
Web Historical Disclaimer:
This is a historical page
and is no longer maintained. Read our
Web history statement for more information.
UT Tower may be reopened |
| AUSTIN - University of Texas President Larry Faulkner
took steps this week toward reopening the UT Tower, closed 23 years ago after a rash of
suicides there. Faulkner is experimenting with metal barriers that could be permanently installed atop the 307-foot tower to protect against suicidal leaps. One such barrier was installed on Wednesday so Faulkner could inspect its appearance and safety features. It was taken down by Thursday afternoon after he judged it too unattractive. But Faulkner said he is not giving up, and several regents are backing his efforts. The landmark, which glows orange on special occasions such as athletic victories, became infamous as the sniper's perch for Charles Whitman, who killed 16 people and wounded 32 others in 1966. Houston Chronicle. October 3, 1998. |