University of Texas to Continue Singing “The Eyes of Texas”
Students at the University of Texas have been calling for the school to stop singing “The Eyes of Texas” at school events, due to its controversial history. The school decided not to ban it, but they will no longer require students to sing it (photo courtesy AP News).
The University of Texas at Austin has a long-held tradition dating back to the early 1900s of singing “The Eyes of Texas” at sports games and other school events. However, with recent controversy over nationwide racial injustices, many students and athletes have refused to stand and sing the song, including band members who will not play it. “The Eyes of Texas” has words in it that the writer of the song – a former president of the school – quoted from Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Additionally, the song had been performed in the past by musicians in blackface.
The university has chosen to keep the song, but will not require players to sing it. Although the athletes have differing views on what the song means to them, the football team has stayed united according to many players. This year, there have been many other institutions who have experienced controversy due to concerns regarding equality and race. While “The Eyes of Texas” will still be played, many students will continue to disagree with its meaning and relevance.
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