SAN MARCOS — On Sunday, Oct. 27, an email was sent to Texas State University President Dr. Kelly Damphousse alleging misuse of university resources to influence an election by 483rd District Judge Tanner Niedhardt.
According to the letter, Niedhardt, who was appointed as the 483rd District judge on Dec. 1, 2022, has served as an adjunct professor at Texas State University since August 2023, “giving him direct access to the student body and private information related to members of the student body.”
Included with the letter is an email sent by Nelly R. Herrera, vice chancellor and general counsel for the university, to all faculty and staff on Oct. 7, which stated, “But the Texas Government Code prohibits the use of state programs and resources to support or oppose a candidate for public office or to influence an election. Therefore, we must be sure that employees take vacation or personal leave time when engaging in political activities or attending political events during working hours, except as university policy permits time off to vote. We should not use university property or resources, including its email resources, to attempt to influence elections or legislation.”
