RESOLUTION TO RE-DEDICATE THE EYES OF TEXAS AS THE SCHOOL SONG OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS

WHEREAS, the song The Eyes of Texas was written and performed over 117 years ago in 1903; and  

WHEREAS, the song was written based on a phrase often spoken by The University of Texas President William Prather, “Always remember, the eyes of Texas are upon you”, to remind them that they were leaders of the future and to encourage students to behave so as not to draw the ire of the Texas Legislature just down the street; and

WHEREAS, the song was written to make fun of the University President Prather and his catch phrase; and

WHEREAS, the song was written to the tune of “I’ve been working on the Railroad” an American folk song that has since become a popular children’s song; and

WHEREAS, the song was first sung at a minstrel show, which have long been gone and our society no longer tolerates such behavior, there is no clear evidence that the Varsity Quartet sang the song in blackface; and

WHEREAS, the song was an instant success to students and it began to be sung all around campus; and

WHEREAS, The Eyes of Texas has been sung by Longhorns before and after every sporting event, at every Graduation ceremony, at special events, functions, weddings and funerals over the last 117 years; and

WHEREAS, The Eyes of Texas unites Longhorns regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, background, heritage and lineage into one Longhorn family; and

WHEREAS, The Eyes of Texas has become universally recognized throughout the world as the school song of The University of Texas at Austin; and

WHEREAS, removing or changing The Eyes of Texas, our 117-year-old tradition, would be divisive and undermine the unifying link between all Longhorns and not achieve the reforms truly desired; then

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Longhorns supporting this petition, hereby implore the University Board of Regents, University Chancellor Milliken, University President Hartzell and Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris Del Conte to 1) acknowledge the accurate history of the origin of The Eyes of Texas; 2) to educate students and faculty of the accurate history of the origin of The Eyes of Texas and stop Professors from perpetuating lies; 3) to acknowledge that some may believe that because it was written during a period of segregation in our state it is racist; 4) to acknowledge that the song now unites all alumni, students and die-hard fans in our belief and pride in what we believe is the best University in the world; and 5) therefore now re-dedicate The Eyes of Texas as the official song of The University of Texas free from its past and focused on the future.