The University of Texas has one of the most historic football programs in the United States.
However, many of the school’s wealthiest donors are irritated by the controversy surrounding the alma mater song, “The Eyes of Texas”, which has Confederate origins. The Texas Tribune obtained public records that were published on Monday, and many of the alumni expressed anger at the situation. Some of the donors have threatened to stop contributing their money to the university if the situation is not resolved.
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E-mails were sent to the president of the University of Texas, Jay Hartzell, and they demanded that the school resist the “culture of cancellation”, otherwise they will no longer receive donations from some of their wealthiest alumni.
“My wife and I made a donation of more than $ 1 million for athletics. This could easily be rescinded if things did not change dramatically around here,” wrote a donor in October. His name was not revealed by UT-Austin because open registration laws protect certain donor identities. “Did everyone forget who supports athletics ??”
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Many alumni were furious when a photo showed Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger as the only player to show pride in the school’s long-standing tradition, when players and coaches defend the music and make the “trumpet” sign before and after the games. The team had just lost in the quadruple overtime to Oklahoma at the 2020 Red River Shootout. However, other photos revealed that other players joined Ehlinger in the field for the song.
“It is shameful to see the lack of unity and our fiercest competitor Sam Ehlinger almost alone,” wrote another donor. “It is a symbol of the disorder of this football program that you inherited. The critical rubbish in racial theory that has been embraced by the football program and the University is doing massive irreparable damage to our glorious institution and the country. It has to stop.”
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Other alumni and donors have also threatened to cancel their tickets for the season and boycott games if music does not remain part of the university’s tradition, which has generated a high level of concern in the university’s fundraising.
“[Alumni] they are withdrawing planned gifts, canceling donations, moving away from causes and programs that have been their passion for years, even decades, and moving away in disgust. Last night, one texted me at 1 am, trying to find a way to revoke a 7-digit donation, “wrote the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Longhorn Alumni Band Charitable Fund, Kent Kostka, to a group of administrators, including Hartzell . ” it is not hyperbole or exaggeration. Real damage is being done every day by continuous silence. “
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In January, when new coach Steve Sarkisian was received at his introductory press conference, he said that music would remain a part of the culture with him in charge.
“That I know, ‘The Eyes of Texas’ is our school song,” said Sarkisian at the time. “We are going to sing this song. We are going to sing it with pride.”