As a divisive tradition falls, values prevail
In “How to Be an Antiracist,” author Ibram Kendi writes, “To be antiracist is a radical choice in the face of history, requiring a radical reorientation of our consciousness.”
Faced with the decision to keep or cancel the divisive “Come and Take It” slogan used as a football rallying cry, University of Texas at San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy could have decided to support the slogan, going along to get along. Instead, he modeled leadership.
When Eighmy sent a letter Sept. 7 to faculty, students and alumni saying the university would stop using the flag and remove the slogan, he explained he made the choice to stay true to UTSA’S mission and values, which, in part, vow to “embrace multicultural traditions and an environment of dialogue and discovery where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.”
He knew there would be fallout — and he was right. Critics couldn’t wait to weigh in and rally their supporters.
We weren’t surprised when Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents, released a statement Wednesday saying he was disappointed with Eighmy’s decision and would “immediately ask our Board to establish policies that ensure that the governing body of the UT System will have the opportunity in the future to be consulted before important university traditions and observances are changed.”
Taking control from UTSA is a reach too far. Too often, it seems, state leaders are quick to interfere with the decisions of local leaders.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick posted a threat on Twitter Wednesday saying Eighmy “surrendered the Come and Take It flag & battle cry to #WOKE campus culture without a fight. Will UT ‘Come and Take’ his job away for selling out Texas history?”
This began last month when a prominent sign displaying the rallying cry at UTSA’S new athletics center inspired calls from students and professors. The community and Express-news Metro columnist Elaine Ayala called for UTSA to end the tradition.
Since 2016, the unfurling of UTSA’S enormous flag with the “Come and Take It” slogan has been a tradition before the start of the fourth quarter of home football games — but times change, and so do interpretations of symbols and history.
UTSA professor emerita Ellen Riojas Clark started a Change.org petition to remove the sign in the athletic center, saying it reflects anti-mexican and pro-slavery sentiments dating back to its use during the Battle of Gonzales.
The “Come and Take It” slogan also has been used by Second Amendment activists and far-right groups, including white supremacists, and was waved during the U.S. Capitol attack on Jan. 6 when rioters displayed it on a Confederate battle flag that included an image of an assault rifle. No organization — especially universities — should want to be associated with this kind of symbolism or interpretation. Even under the best of circumstances, UTSA’S branding would be marred with questions and controversy.
Those who oppose canceling the use of the defiant motto believe the decision was abrupt, and we think it is fair to criticize the lack of discussion and input in the decision. And we are also sensitive to the unfortunate struggles many college campuses have had around speech. But moving quickly with this decision was likely the least controversial way to move forward, and UTSA has every right to decide the messages and symbols that represent its campus. History hasn’t been erased because the flag is no longer waved during a football game.
It’s disheartening this change is even considered radical and brave. For all of its negative history, the slogan is a divisive distraction — an affront to many people of color. There is no space for this messaging, especially at a Hispanic-serving university often criticized for inadequately serving Hispanics.
School spirit and tradition are essential to universities, but these should represent the school’s mission and values.