It’s no secret that the Eyes of Texas is controversial.

Three years ago, the nationwide upheaval to root out systemic racism reinvigorated critical dialogue surrounding the continued use of the University’s Alma Mater, “The Eyes of Texas.”

The song has been under scrutiny, with polarizing stances: those who hope to preserve University tradition, and those who hope to eradicate the song due to its factually racist origins. 

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In the University’s 2021 report, President Jay Hartzell ruled that “The Eyes of Texas” would remain UT’s official song, despite citing the University’s visceral responses that were “raw, emotional and heart-wrenching.” 

However, UT’s report, voiced only by the administration, is subjective, murky and avoidant. The power, prestige and potent nature of the University is clear. But by reinforcing the notorious motif as the University’s alma mater, who are we leaving out? 

As we search for the unspeakable, continual truth hiding between our ribs and beneath our hearts, the University failed to include the opinions of a crucial demographic – the student body.

We deserve to participate in the democratic principles that permeate the University. 

We deserve a vote on whether the Eyes of Texas should be kept or removed. 

The song originated in 1902 when student John Lang Sinclair wrote the lyrics of the song. Allegedly, the motif “The Eyes of Texas” derived from an infamous phrase that former president William Prather used. Even so, the song was written by a Jim Crow university in a Jim Crow state.

Since then, the primary controversy surrounds whether the song was written with racist intent, independently of a blackface minstrel show. There are also arguments about whether the phrase “The Eyes of Texas are upon you” was derived from Confederate General Robert E. Lee. 

In the University’s report, the Eyes of Texas History Committee allegedly found no racist intent. However, they noted that systemic racism was perpetuated in the setting where the song debuted. 

The divide is clear. Some professors, students and alumni advocate for the removal of the song. Professor of History Alberto Martinez released a counter-report, stating that “UT’s administrators are retrenching and whitewashing the facts.” Others value its continued tradition and its role in UT’s growth. In fact, President Hartzell received hundreds of emails from alumni who threatened to stop donating to the University if the song was removed.

The University of Texas Student Government has attempted a referendum on the song before, but it has not been implemented until now.

“After years of advocacy and work done by members of student government, the Dean of Students has approved a nonbinding referendum on the Eyes of Texas,” government sophomore and the Chair of the Ethics and Oversight Committee Adrian Tristán said. “This is the first time that students will have a direct input on what they think about the song.”

Many student government representatives also believe the referendum is crucial to the University’s principle of transparency and accountability.

“(The referendum) would still increase a sense of transparency in terms of what students think about (The Eyes of Texas), because although the administration has put a stance, I think it’s still important for the student body to be aware of its own thoughts and opinions about the song,” business honors and government sophomore and Chair of the Student Affairs Committee Helen Getachew said.

The voting process is simple. Voting will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, and will end on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. The ballot referendum will be on the same ballot as the campus-wide election.

“The referendum will take place in the same system as when you’re voting for University-wide elections as well as Alliance elections. Anyone who has a student EID can vote,” said Getachew.

“The Eyes of Texas” is indicative of the story of UT. It’s a symbol of our unsightly history, our unifying traditions and an indicator of our continued growth. Yet, in order to truly show progress and genuine historical reflection, we need to dissect how such complex issues make current students feel. A referendum does just that.

Students, it’s time to revisit the Eyes of Texas. 

Wan is a civil engineering and Plan II freshman from Houston, Texas.