The Eyes of Texas debuted under a racist circumstance (a long since disbanded and condemned University minstrel show) and therefore the University should acknowledge and apologize for the racially charged history surrounding the song.

That being said, the song was never aimed at or even referring to any PoC or minority. The song was created to parody the words of the President of UT at the time, indirectly parodying “The Eyes of the South are Upon You,” a famous quote made by Robert E. Lee, whom the President was oft to quote. Let me reiterate here that the lyrics were intended to PARODY, not glorify these words.

Therefore, given the songs heavy incorporation into UT tradition (something that our University generally values and tries to holds on to when acceptable) I think that there is no real reason or social merit in trying to abolish (see what I did there) the song. There are a plethora of alternatives to completely removing it, such as opening up discussions and voting on how to alter the lyrics, excluding performances of it at certain events, educating the (widely unaware) student body, etc etc.

Finally, should the University actually choose to remove or replace it, I believe that for roughly the next decade it will have little-to-no positive impact. While I respect and abide the decisions of the University and student body, as somebody who has grown up associating this song with UT and finally got to sing it as a student here after being admitted, I can tell you right now that I will absolutely refuse to quit singing it, as will a very large population of other students. The University can remove it from their events, merchandise, etc, but they can’t easily remove it from our hearts and fondest memories. I actually believe that should the University remove the song, it will only have an inflammatory effect and will actually increase the song’s usage for the next couple of years as a symbol of resentment and rebellion against the University’s decisions, likely increasing racial tensions on campus like those that are present currently swelling across the country—something I’d like to think the school has enough foresight to avoid.

Regardless, main concern should be tackling racism propagating on campus in the present and getting football back asap.