University of Texas System says the chairman saw Longhorns in the stadium crowd
University of Texas SystemInstitutional statement by a public university system, quoting its Board of Regents chairman
The University of Texas System published a statement from its Board of Regents chairman saying that when he looked at the stadium crowd he saw Longhorns, and that he is proud to celebrate all Longhorn students.
“"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”
Original post
Where this statement fits
Was Bo French’s UT Austin post racist?
After the University of Texas football team’s September 12, 2026 comeback win over Ohio State, Republican Railroad Commission nominee Bo French posted a still image of apparent South Asian fans and called what it showed a “problem.” He later said social media was exposing Americans being displaced by foreigners and accused UT of prioritizing foreigners over Texans. French and several supporters framed the posts as a legitimate criticism of immigration and admissions policy. Republican and Democratic officials, along with other commentators, condemned the use of the fans’ appearance as racist or xenophobic. Governor Greg Abbott rejected French’s interpretation of the image while reaffirming support for restrictive immigration policies.
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
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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More from this case
Read the full caseRosenthal calls donations a rejection of French
“The people are rejecting this bold, racist campaign of his.”Read statement
Krishnamoorthi calls French’s UT fan post a xenophobic attack
“The Department of Education seems to be playing dog whistles to Bo French’s tune just days after his xenophobic attack on South Asian students for cheering for their own college football team. South Asian Americans are as American as anyone.”Read statement
French says his UT fan posts were about culture, not race
“It’s fair to say that Texas doesn’t look and feel like it did when I was a kid, and that’s not racist.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "University of Texas System says the chairman saw Longhorns in the stadium crowd". First published: 2026-09-16. Last updated: 2026-09-16. https://disputeindex.com/events/740-the-university-of-texas-system-published-a-statement