Jay Hartzell, the interim president of the university's flagship campus in Austin, said the song will continue to be the Longhorns' alma mater. "The Eyes of Texas" has long been criticized for its connection to minstrel shows with characters in blackface in the early 1900s. An unsigned letter posted on social media last month said Texas athletes would not help the school recruit prospects at alumni events as they typically do unless the school replaced the song, among other steps. Texas defensive back Caden Sterns said though he will not sing the song, he appreciates the conversation about it. Despite the song remaining, the school announced several changes, including renaming Joe Jamail Field for Black Heisman Trophy winners Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams.

Source: Fox News July 13, 2020 23:24 UTC