University of Texas System says the chairman saw Longhorns in the stadium crowd
Institutional statement by a public university system, quoting its Board of Regents chairman
“"When I stood on the sidelines at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday night and looked up at the seats filled with incredible fans, I saw Longhorns. It’s the same remarkable view I have at graduation ceremonies and anytime I’m on campus. I’m proud to celebrate all our Longhorn students today and every day. Thank you for making us proud." Kevin P. Eltife, Chairman of the UT System Board of Regents”
Source and context
Original post
About this source
Institutional statement posted 7:02 PM ET on September 14, 2026 by the UT System account, quoting Board of Regents chairman Kevin P. Eltife. It does not name Bo French.
Before the quotation
The university system had not previously responded publicly. French's post used a still image of fans at the September 12 game against Ohio State.
After the quotation
UT Austin president Jim Davis endorsed the statement forty-four minutes later. State law requires that 90 percent of each UT freshman class come from within Texas.
How this statement is classified
Case context: Was Bo French’s UT Austin post racist?
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
The conduct under scrutiny is French's post treating the pictured fans as evidence of a problem. The statement rejects that reading of the same crowd without naming French or using the word racist, which is a challenge to the characterization rather than a condemnation.
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Was Bo French’s UT Austin post racist?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
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