(Find & Research National Controversies)
UT Austin Library: Books, media, databases, guides, articles, journals, etc.
Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints: Resources, articles, & opinions
Gale in Context: Topic Finder: Search terms & topic connections
ProCon: Pros and Cons of 100+ Topics
CQResearcher: Browse by topic, hot topic, or pros/cons.
ClearerThinking: Improve decision-making & boost critical thinking
SAGE Knowledge: Broad overviews of topics.
RHE 306 Research Guide: UT Austin library guide for RHE 306.
Brookings Institute: Topics: Browse contemporary controversies.
The Heritage Foundation: Select "Explore Issues" to view social issues.
Pew Research Center: Topics: Extensive list of controversies.
RAND Reports by Topic: See trending topics or list all topics.
(Find & Research Local Controversies)
Community Impact: Hyperlocal news, community issues, & happenings
Texas Tribune: Texas politics & public policy news (nonprofit & nonpartisan)
Austin American-Statesman: Primary daily newspaper of Austin, Texas
Austin Chronicle: Alternative Austin weekly newspaper (liberal)
Daily Texan: The student newspaper of the University of Texas at Austin
Texas Observer: Nonprofit news organization dedicated to in-depth investigative journalism on Texas politics, social justice, & culture.
UT News: Meaningful and thoughtful opinion columns (op-eds)
Texas Monthly: Texas news, politics, culture, & personalities
The Texas Horn: (Conservative) News & opinion focused on conservative principles targeting UT Austin students
The Texan: (Conservative) Statewide political fact-based news regarding issues, policies, elected officials, and campaigns. No opinion pieces.
(Contemporary Problems for Analysis)
Climate Change: Debates around its causes, impacts, and the effectiveness of policies to mitigate it.
Artificial Intelligence: Ethical concerns, job displacement, and privacy issues.
Data Privacy: The handling of personal data by corporations and governments.
Immigration: Policies, human rights, and economic impacts.
Racial Injustice: Systemic racism, police brutality, and social equity.
Gender Equality: Pay gap, reproductive rights, and representation.
Freedom of Speech: Censorship, hate speech, and social media regulation.
Healthcare Access: Universal healthcare, drug prices, and health disparities.
Gun Control: Regulation, the Second Amendment, and gun violence.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Marriage equality, discrimination, and transgender rights.
Income Inequality: Wealth distribution, taxation, and economic policies.
Political Polarization: Division within and between political parties.
Vaccinations: Vaccine mandates, misinformation, and public health.
Big Tech Regulation: Monopoly power, content moderation, and antitrust issues.
Environmental Conservation: Deforestation, biodiversity loss, and conservation policies.
Education Reform: Curriculum standards, funding, and school choice.
Abortion Rights: Legal status, access, and moral implications.
Criminal Justice Reform: Mass incarceration, sentencing laws, and rehabilitation.
International Trade: Tariffs, trade agreements, and globalization.
Energy Policy: Renewable energy, fossil fuels, and energy independence.
Religious Freedom: Balancing religious rights with other civil liberties.
Food Security: GMOs, agricultural policies, and hunger.
Nuclear Proliferation: Arms control, disarmament, and geopolitical tensions.
Cybersecurity: Protection against cyber attacks, privacy, and digital warfare.
Space Exploration: Commercialization, international cooperation, and resource exploitation.
Surveillance: Government and corporate surveillance, privacy rights, and security.
Mental Health: Access to mental health care, stigma, and treatment efficacy.
Corporate Accountability: Ethical practices, environmental impact, and corporate governance.
Genetic Engineering: CRISPR technology, designer babies, and bioethics.
Indigenous Rights: Land rights, cultural preservation, and political representation.
Water Scarcity: Access to clean water, privatization, and resource management.
Refugee Crisis: Asylum policies, integration, and humanitarian response.
Intellectual Property: Patent laws, copyright issues, and innovation.
Population Growth: Sustainability, resource allocation, and family planning.
Media Bias: Objectivity, influence on public opinion, and misinformation.
Aging Population: Social security, healthcare, and economic impact.
Pandemic Preparedness: Response strategies, international cooperation, and vaccine distribution.
Urbanization: Housing, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Human Trafficking: Prevention, victim support, and international cooperation.
Labor Rights: Working conditions, minimum wage, and unionization.
Animal Rights: Ethical treatment, factory farming, and conservation.
Euthanasia: Legal status, ethical debates, and end-of-life care.
Climate Migration: Displacement due to climate change, adaptation policies, and international aid.
Corporate Influence in Politics: Lobbying, campaign finance, and transparency.
Space Debris: Pollution of space, satellite management, and international regulations.
Technological Unemployment: Automation, job retraining, and economic impact.
Biometric Data: Security, privacy, and ethical implications.
Cultural Appropriation: Respect for cultural heritage, representation, and exploitation.
Cryptocurrency: Regulation, environmental impact, and financial stability.
Nationalism vs. Globalism: Sovereignty, international cooperation, and identity.
Sexual Harassment: Workplace policies, #MeToo movement, and legal frameworks.
Fake News: Spread of misinformation, media literacy, and regulatory measures.
Universal Basic Income: Feasibility, economic impact, and social justice.
Transhumanism: Human augmentation, ethical boundaries, and societal impact.
Telecommuting: Work-life balance, productivity, and long-term effects.
Voting Rights: Voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and election security.
Space-Based Solar Power (U.S. Department of Energy)
Power & Water Consumption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Opioid Crisis: Addiction, pharmaceutical accountability, and treatment options.
Disability Rights: Accessibility, employment opportunities, and social inclusion.
Islamophobia: Discrimination, hate crimes, and policy impacts.
Sex Work Legislation: Decriminalization, worker safety, and societal views.
Plastic Pollution: Environmental impact, recycling, and alternatives.
Overfishing: Marine ecosystem health, fishing regulations, and sustainability.
Gentrification: Displacement, urban renewal, and community impact.
Space Colonization: Ethical implications, feasibility, and international collaboration.
Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants: Access, cost, and public health.
Right to Repair: Consumer rights, electronics repairability, and corporate policies.
Digital Divide: Access to technology, internet connectivity, and educational impact.
Public Transportation: Infrastructure investment, accessibility, and sustainability.
Child Labor: Global supply chains, ethical sourcing, and enforcement of laws.
Anti-Vaccine Movement: Public health risks, misinformation, and trust in science.
Corporate Taxation: Tax avoidance, offshore accounts, and economic fairness.
Net Neutrality: Internet freedom, regulation, and corporate control.
Media Consolidation: Diversity of viewpoints, monopolies, and free press.
Space Militarization: Weaponization of space, treaties, and global security.
Algorithmic Bias: AI fairness, discrimination, and accountability.
Food Waste: Environmental impact, food security, and reduction strategies.
Sex Education: Curriculum content, parental control, and public health outcomes.
Cultural Preservation: Heritage sites, globalization, and indigenous cultures.
Climate Engineering: Geoengineering ethics, feasibility, and unintended consequences.
Reparations for Historical Injustices: Compensation, recognition, and reconciliation.
Ethical Consumerism: Impact on global supply chains, consumer choices, and corporate responsibility.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria
Protest Rights: Freedom of assembly, police response, and public safety.
Environmental Justice: Disproportionate impact on marginalized communities
Human Genome Editing: Ethical concerns, potential health impacts, and regulatory issues.
Sports Doping: Fair play, health risks, and anti-doping policies.
Telemedicine: Access, quality of care, and regulatory frameworks.
Climate Refugees: Legal status, international protection, and resettlement.
Facial Recognition Technology: Privacy, surveillance, and accuracy.
Artificial Meat: Health, environmental impact, and acceptance.
Decolonization Movements: Repatriation of artifacts, land rights, and historical accountability.
Fashion Industry's Environmental Impact: Fast fashion, waste, and sustainability.
Space Mining: Resource extraction, legal frameworks, and environmental impact.
Corporate Influence in Education: Sponsorship, curriculum control, and academic freedom.
Rural vs. Urban Divide: Economic disparities, political representation, and social services.
Cultural Sensitivity in Media: Representation, stereotypes, and inclusivity.
Gender Identity in Sports: Inclusion, fairness, and competition rules.
Autonomous Vehicles: Safety, regulation, and job displacement.
Public Housing: Availability, quality, and policies.
Deepfakes: Misinformation, privacy, and legal responses.
Financial Inclusion: Access to banking, credit, and financial literacy.
Chronic Disease Management: Healthcare access, costs, and preventive measures.
Religious Extremism: Radicalization, terrorism, and community relations.
Food Sovereignty: Local food systems, agricultural policies, and trade.
Nuclear Energy: Safety, waste disposal, and climate impact.
Gig Economy: Worker rights, benefits, and job security.
Legalization of Psychedelics: Medical use, regulation, and societal impact.
Urban Sprawl: Environmental impact, infrastructure, and community planning.
Youth Activism: Political influence, social movements, and generational perspectives.
Language Preservation: Endangered languages, cultural identity, and education.
Natural Disasters: Pole shift, global warming, ground temperature (Siberia), cloud seeding.
Scholars of War: Academia, the military-industrial complex, & war.
(Local Campus Issues)
The University of Texas at Austin
Protests of 2024: UT PD, President Hartzell (statements), DPS, Governor Abbot
Free Speech Zones (Christians engaging in hate speech)
Police protection of hate speech
Registration: students with accommodations register first
Admission standards (Undergraduate & Graduate)
End of Affirmative Action entrance standards
Legacy Admissions
AP test scores & credit by exam
Tuition (cost, in-state, history, deregulation)
Abolish Final Exams
Title IX
Campus safety: Sexual assault on campus, West Campus safety
Tenure: new restrictions, age of professors
Grades: difficulty, content delivery
Athletics (income, scholarships, NIL, academic issues)
NCAA (Name & Likeness, drug testing, restrictions)
Women’s pay & equipment vs. Men’s
Athletes on full scholarship (restrictions & pitfalls)
TikTok ban on UT campus
Masculinity courses to balance out feminist courses
Greek Life: cost, scholarships, hazing/initiation rituals
Academia
U.S. Department of Education (Abolished)
Should Americans still repay their college loans?
Digital ID for online tracking
Recalcitrance: Crackpottery, peer-review process, state of academia
Dual Credit
The future of writing
High-stakes testing
Student brilliance and capability relative to prior generations
Value of a college degree today vs. prior generations
Refuse to pay college debt in protest?
Value of high school when dual credit homeschooling is available
Free Tuition: UT Austin & Austin Community College
Asynchronous online classes
For-profit colleges (veterans, predatory tactics, value of degrees)
Financial Aid: Illegal immigrants, regulations, income levels, etc.
Subjects Not Taught (change a tire, mortgages, finances, relationship coaching, how to achieve happiness)
Book banning
Homework & Reading
College Loans (cost, debt relief, parent loans, consequences of default, gender disparity, bankruptcy)
(Texas, USA, & World Issues)
Government & Politics
Secrecy (over-classification, subversion of Congress, power structures)
Surveillance (cell phones, pole cameras)
Spreading fake news should be against the law (Turkey).
Polarization of left and right (Rep. & Dem.)
War with China within 10 years
Voting
Redistricting
Suppression
Fraud
Drive-through voting
Vote by mail
Texas Heartbeat Law (abortion)
Texas Power Grid failure
Income inequality (gap)
Distribution of wealth
Wealth Cap & Redistribution
Wealth ensures happiness
Taxes & middle class vs. wealthy & poor
Upward Mobility (The American Dream)
Achievability of the American Dream (Homeownership out of reach)
Texas Power Grid
Police & Law Enforcement
UT Austin protests of 2024.
Lies (sanctioned, prisoner’s dilemma)
Recruiting (types of individuals becoming officers)
Firing officers (Reform)
Complaint process
Cell phones & Encryption
Brutality, shootings, racism
Surveillance Cameras (laws, etiquette, commercial, residential, via “pole cams’)
Technology
Dead Internet: Data-rich & information poor
Digital ID for online tracking
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Cybernetic Implants
Big Data
Social Media (algorithm, copyright, exploitation)
Gene therapy
Runaway Technology Expansion
Cloning
UFOs
Secure communication
VPNs
Surveillance
Guns
Assault Rifles
School Shootings
Campus carry
Relationships
Sugar Dating
Hookup culture
Dating apps in college
Prostitution (legality, morality)
Marriage value and drawbacks (single vs. married inequality)
Sex
Escorts
Sugar Dating: Seeking Arrangements, Craigslist, Backpage
Exotic dancers (regulations & taxes)
Hookup Culture,
Age of consent
Rape
Time limit for accusations
Date rape (definitions, preventions, penalties)
App to gain consent
Gender identity
Protected class
Anti-trans legislation
Play on sports teams of the opposite sex
Bathroom to use (at what ages)
Pronouns: Requirements & Education
Selective Service (women required)
Religion
Churches & Taxation
Christians screaming at UT students
Media
Failure of mainstream news media
(UFOs, COVID, 2020 Election, Global Warming, James Webb, food crisis, coral reefs)
Corrupting influence of money (ads, short segments)
Local journalism decline
Fake News
Disinformation
Fact-checking
Streaming services
Housing
American Dream
Inflated property values
Gentrification
Property Codes (Airbnb, Chickens, Goats, Repairs, HOAs)
Tiny Houses
Homelessness
Gentrification
Historical monuments
Traffic, buses, bike lanes, traffic cameras
Drugs
Microdosing psychedelics
Legalize marijuana (Interstate Commerce clause)
Banking for distributors
Delta-9
Adderall (use, shortage, abuse)
Opioid Crisis
Drugs (legalization, cartels, hallucinogens, testing, edibles, Delta 9)
Club drugs
Legal designer drugs
Magic Mushrooms (legality & research)
Race Relations
Racism
Hollywood casting
Homogeneous neighborhoods
Censorship
Book banning
Net neutrality
Money
Wealth & Income Disparity
Wage disparity (Gender)
Money doesn't buy happiness
Wealth Cap & Redistribution
Texas
Reservations at state parks, Hamilton Pool, Blue Hole, etc.
Environment (trash on the Guadalupe)
Casinos
ERCOT (Texas Power Grid)
Space-Based Solar Power (U.S. Department of Energy)
Minimum Wage
Living Wage
Texas Income Tax
Texas foster care crisis
Homelessness
Camping Ban (HEAL Initiative)
Housing the homeless in hotels, tiny house communities
Tax incentives for citizens who house homeless
Prohibit and clean up camps
Panhandling legality
Social Issues
Abortion
Texas Heartbeat Law (abortion)
Suicide
Gender/Queer/Trans
Gun Violence
Sex (Dating apps, Hookup Culture, top 5% men, height filters, sugar dating, internet porn)
Age of Adulthood (smoking, military, contracts, guns, etc.)
Social media companies should be regulated
Technology’s effects on teens and young adults
Gender identity
Men’s rights movement
Cell phones (phone-free zones, phone-free life movement,
Right to die
Space-Based Solar Power (U.S. Department of Energy)
Power & Water Consumption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Expansion of Interstate 35 (I-35)
Tesla's Giga Texas manufacturing facility in Austin.
PFAS Contamination of Farmlands
Texas State Parks Reservation System
Zilker Park Vision Plan
Austin Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)