The Revival of The Rag: A New Era of Free Speech at UT-Austin

Underground Spirit Revived: The Rag Returns to UT-Austin

Austin, TX — A block north of the University of Texas at Austin, a two-bedroom apartment has become the unlikely headquarters for a revival of the iconic underground newspaper, The Rag. Co-editors in chief Kira Small and Ava Hosseini, both UT-Austin seniors, have transformed their living space into a vibrant hub of creativity and activism, echoing the spirit of the original Rag that flourished during the tumultuous 1960s.

Furnished with eclectic decor, including a July 1976 issue of Playboy—a nod to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas—and a thrifted Bibleopoly game, the apartment reflects the playful yet earnest ethos of its inhabitants. A corner of the living room is dedicated to their publishing venture, featuring a $200 printer and a submission board adorned with doodles, including a caricature of newly appointed UT President Jim Davis. “We’re saving that one,” Hosseini laughs, hinting at the irreverent humor that defines their publication.

Founded in 1966 amid the Vietnam War, the original Rag emerged as a voice for free speech and dissent, becoming part of the nationwide Underground Press Syndicate. It ran for eleven years before folding in 1977. Today, as political pressures mount and free speech faces renewed threats, Small and Hosseini have taken it upon themselves to revive this legacy. Their first issue, published in September, marks a significant return to the underground press tradition.

The urgency of free speech has never been more pronounced. Recent legislation, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Campus Protection Act, has imposed restrictions on protests and public discourse on college campuses. Small and Hosseini witnessed firsthand the chaos of pro-Palestine demonstrations last spring, which erupted into clashes with law enforcement, resulting in over a hundred arrests. “I watched a girl get dragged into the lawn by her hair by a police officer,” Hosseini recalls, emphasizing the need for a platform that champions student voices.

Hosseini, a first-generation immigrant from Iran, reflects on her family’s journey to the U.S. in search of academic freedom. “My family came here expressly so that I could have a liberal education,” she says, underscoring the stakes involved in their mission. Small, originally from Albuquerque, shares a similar sentiment, expressing disappointment at the erosion of a culture that encourages diverse viewpoints.

In the wake of the Palestine protests, Hosseini ran for student body vice president, centering her campaign on free speech. Her activism has drawn both support and concern from her family, who worry about the potential repercussions of her outspoken stance. “They would make an example out of you,” her parents warned, leading her to reconsider her participation in certain events.

The original Rag was born out of a desire to challenge the mainstream narratives of its time, and its founders believed in the power of student voices. Thorne Dreyer, a founding member, recalls the publication’s mission to document the growing anti-war and civil rights movements. “We wanted to stop the war in Vietnam,” he says, emphasizing the importance of student power.

Small and Hosseini’s revival captures this spirit, with their debut issue featuring a cover illustration of an armadillo smoking a joint—a playful homage to the publication’s history. The content ranges from political commentary to cultural critiques, all infused with a sense of humor. “Anger burns really quickly,” Small notes. “Humor is more sustainable.”

In a media landscape dominated by social media, the duo is committed to print as a medium that fosters deeper engagement. “You can’t scroll past The Rag,” Small asserts, highlighting the importance of thoughtful consumption in an age of fleeting digital content. They have also embraced a Substack platform to reach a wider audience, blending traditional and modern methods of distribution.

As they navigate the challenges of reviving an underground publication, Small and Hosseini remain undeterred. “Ultimately, we believe that what we are doing is absolutely legal and right,” Hosseini states, emphasizing their responsibility to uphold free speech. Small adds, “I’ve never felt so calm about politics as I have in the last two months,” reflecting the grounding nature of their work.

With their commitment to humor and community-building, Small and Hosseini are not just reviving a newspaper; they are reigniting a movement. As The Rag finds its voice once more, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of free expression and the resilience of student activism.