The eyes of Texas are once again on The Eyes of Texas
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The Longhorn Band of the University of Texas at Austin performed during the opening of the 2017 Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl game at NRG Stadium on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, in Houston.Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Houston ChronicleShow MoreShow Less
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FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2012 file photo, students walk through the University of Texas at Austin campus near the school s iconic tower in Austin, Texas.Eric Gay, STF / Associated PressShow MoreShow Less
Grappling with painful truths about our state’s history and how those truths persist or reverberate today can be unpleasant, divisive and difficult.
Eyes of Texas report: Song had no racist intent, but debuted in racist setting
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“The Eyes of Texas,” the University of Texas’ school song, “most probably” debuted at a minstrel show in 1903, but it did not appear to be linked to a phrase commonly used by Confederate General Robert E. Lee, according to a months-long study of the song s origins and history.
The 24-person committee, chaired by Richard J. Reddick, Texas’ Associate Dean for Equity, Community Engagement, and Outreach, determined that the song had no racist intent but did debut in a racist setting.
Texas president Jay Hartzell said in July 2020 the song would remain the university’s anthem. Students will no longer be forced to sing it at school events.