AUSTIN — The University of Texas at Austin campus was buzzing this week with two very different emotions. After the Longhorns’ dramatic comeback win over Ohio State, a wave of pride swept the stands. At the same time, a Republican candidate for state railroad commissioner sparked outrage with a racially charged post that singled out South Asian students celebrating the victory.
Candidate’s post ignites bipartisan condemnation
Bo French, who has advocated for mass deportation and denaturalization of illegal immigrants, reposted a photo of a group of South Asian students in burnt‑orange attire and wrote on X, “I heard UT graduation this year looked like this. The problem is now obviously far worse than anyone imagined.” The comment was immediately denounced by outgoing Republican Sen. John Cornyn and GOP strategist Karl Rove, both of whom said they would support French’s Democratic opponent.
Student voices on campus
Students described the post as painful and exclusionary. “It’s a little more painful because it could have been me in that picture,” said Aryan Harkawat, a 20‑year‑old computer‑science major. Harkawat noted that the rhetoric has shifted from targeting immigrants to targeting second‑generation Texans, leaving many to wonder if simply keeping a low profile will protect them.
Other students pushed back. Senior Dhairya Gupta, visible in the photo, said, “When I look at that picture, I don’t see a problem.” Gupta added that while he was concerned about French’s post, he was encouraged by fellow Longhorns who defended the students on social media.
Junior Sydney Brown, who called the post “confusing,” said it would not dampen her enthusiasm for the game. “News flash: It’s part of our student population,” she said, noting the diverse mix of classmates in the stadium.
Conservative student group weighs in
The UT chapter of Turning Point USA released a statement emphasizing character over ethnicity: “Every Longhorn should be judged by their character, their values, and their actions – not their ethnicity.” The group’s stance aligns with the campus’s broader commitment to individual liberty and personal responsibility.
University leadership responds
UT Austin President Jim Davis responded, calling all students “exceptional” and affirming that “all of them are Longhorns.” Board of Regents chair Kevin Eltife posted a tribute to the campus crowd, praising the “incredible fans” without directly naming French.
Professor Maria Cotera, speaking after a town‑hall meeting on the state curriculum overhaul, warned that certain students feel “under attack” and that the sense of belonging is eroding. She highlighted recent state legislation limiting protests and reshaping curricula to remove teachings about race and gender.
Broader context
French, a former UT student who transferred to Texas Christian University, won his primary in March and has become a prominent anti‑immigration voice in the Texas GOP. His comments raise questions about who qualifies as a Texan in a state that is rapidly diversifying.
UT Austin, with roughly 55,000 students—about a quarter of whom are Asian—remains one of the nation’s most diverse public universities. While the campus has not seen organized protests over French’s post, online forums are filled with anger and concern from students and alumni alike.
Student activism continues
Students such as Sadhana Guruprasad, an 18‑year‑old running for student government, called the post “disgusting and overly exaggerated,” emphasizing the campus’s diversity. Libertarian‑leaning transfer student Zall Arvandi, whose parents immigrated from Armenia and Iran, said the incident “really affected me personally,” noting that arguments about immigration should not be mixed with racism.
Despite the controversy, many students plan to attend upcoming games and continue supporting each other, reinforcing the campus’s tradition of unity through sport.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
