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Small group of UT students carry out commencement walkout over 'The Eyes of Texas' controversy
(Robert Igar)
A group of University of Texas at Austin students walked out of their own commencement ceremony, protesting the university's continued use of "The Eyes of Texas" as the school song.
The song, which was written in 1903 with lyrics traced back to Confederate leader Robert E. Lee, has been linked to campus minstrel shows and blackface. It is usually played at UT sporting events and commencement.
In a group on Facebook, the students announced that they would walk out of their 8 p.m. Saturday ceremony toward the end of the programming when the song began. 153 people responded to the group and a report from the Austin American Statesman said "several" students walked out, several comments, including one in the Facebook group reading "some big protest," said not as many students walked out as expected.
Lol, the walkout was a flop. The FEW that tried to walkout didn't even make it all the way down the stairs before it was over. The vast majority had their Horns up and stayed throughout.
— Hook'Em (@UTexLonghorns) May 23, 2021
"UT's administration may be swayed by powerful donors who are committed to keeping white supremacy alive at UT, but we, as students and now alums, can express support for the Black students, alumni, and faculty who have been harmed by this song for over 100 years," the page said.
The song has also been opposed by University of Texas history professor Dr. Alberto Martínez, who wrote a report titled "100 Problems in the 'Eyes of Texas," a long list of reasons why he believes the school should change the song.
After a 24-person committee ruled that the song had "no racist intent" in March, the university announced it would continue to play the song at events. Emails obtained by the Texas Tribune show that some of UT's wealthy donors and alumni threatened to pull their support if the school didn't oppose "cancel culture."
The Texas Legislative Black Caucus, some Austin-area Black lawmakers, civil rights leaders, students and alumni are continuing to work with the school to change the decision and starting fall 2022, there will be two bands: one that plays the song and one that doesn't.- 'No racist intent': New report says 'Eyes of Texas' remains UT alma ... ›
- Longhorn Band will be required to play "The Eyes of Texas" next fall ... ›
- Lawmakers gather at the Texas Capitol to oppose 'The Eyes of ... ›
- UT plan to create new band over song controversy criticized - austonia ›
- Former UT diver Alison Gibson competing at Tokyo Olympics - austonia ›
- UT students protest 'Eyes of Texas' at back-to-school event - austonia ›
- NAACP, University of Texas students file complaint against 'Eyes of Texas' - austonia ›
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Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
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🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
