© Provided by Washington Examiner The University of Texas at Austin on Tuesday released findings about its school song and concluded the tune was not racist following a high-profile protest from the school football team.
"The Eyes of Texas" will remain the alma mater of the institution, and although it "debuted in a racist setting," the hymn itself "had no racist intent," university officials wrote in a 59-page report. Researchers further concluded that the song was tied to minstrel shows, racially charged performances in early U.S. history, but not directly to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, contrary to a view held by many who have criticized the tune.
"Research by the committee has uncovered important facts and historical context, some of which has never been systematically compiled and analyzed until now," the report said. "These historical facts add complexity and richness to the story of a song that debuted in a racist setting, exceedingly common for the time, but, as the preponderance of research showed, had no racist intent in that it was intended to parody the famous phrases of the university president."
"However, systemic racial intent existed in the setting and culture where the song debuted," the report added. "The exclusion of Black students at that time presents an opportunity to think about how they and other communities of color have fought for inclusion and the work that remains to ensure all members of our community feel they belong."
UT-AUSTIN FOOTBALL PLAYERS SAY DONORS THREATENED CAREER PROSPECTS IF THEY ESCHEW SCHOOL SONG
Following a summer of unrest geared toward raising awareness of racial inequality and police use of force, controversy struck in the fall with Texas players objecting to the song, which has been played for over 100 years.
Last week, a report from the Texas Tribune said UT-Austin football players alleged university donors threatened their career prospects for remaining in the locker room during the post-game playing of "The Eyes of Texas" instead of remaining on the field and singing with fans.
"My teammates and I got threatened by some alumni that we would have to find jobs outside of Texas if we didn't participate," Caden Sterns, a defensive back, wrote in a tweet.
Another player, junior linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, said, "They said y'all don't have to sing it. But y'all have to stay on the field. Y'all have to go over there and at least show fans appreciation for coming out and watching you guys play."
School officials, including Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, denied the allegations and insisted, "We simply asked for their help" and "no one was forced or required to do so."
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"I never said this, nor would I say this to a student-athlete, and I've never heard it from any donors or alumni," Del Conte said in a statement. "My message has consistently been about unity. I'm disappointed if anything anyone else said to our student-athletes caused them to feel this way. That concerns me. I've talked to several student-athletes about this and am happy to talk to anyone to let them know that this is not true. I've only seen our alumni work to support our student-athletes."
School President Jay Hartzell said students will not be required to sing the song in the future, and he emphasized that no one had been required to participate in the past.
"Nobody has been, or will be, required to sing the song," Hartzell said. "That's going to be going forward the way we continue to operate. We hope that as people go through the report, read through the facts, they'll find ways to participate in some way. Whether it's the case of the athletes standing on the field, or the fans in the stands as we sing, there's going to be no punishment, no mandate, no requirement if people choose not to participate."
Tags: News, Education, Austin, Texas, Racism, College, Football, Higher Education
Original Author: Jake Dima
Original Location: UT-Austin concludes 'no racist intent' in school song that sparked protest with football team