Vol. 8 [UT Stories] UT's "TEXAS" Mural on the Drag Faces Removal Under State Order

The University of Texas at Austin (UT) will likely need to take down its large burnt-orange "TEXAS" mural on Guadalupe Street following a state directive that has also targeted other street art across Texas. (The Chron)

Background:

• The 40-foot-tall mural was installed in summer 2024 in partnership with the city of Austin to mark the university's entry into the Southeastern Conference, placed on the stretch of Guadalupe Street commonly known as the Drag. (The Chron)
• On October 8, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott directed TxDOT to crack down on murals and other roadway art, citing public safety concerns and opposition to art perceived as promoting "political ideologies," with rainbow crosswalks among the primary targets. (The Chron)

What happened next:

• The city of Austin asked the state to grant exceptions for several pieces of street art, including the UT mural, a "Black Artists Matter" mural on East 11th Street, and downtown Pride crosswalks. (The Chron)
• TxDOT rejected all three requests in a May 18 letter to Austin Transportation and Public Works director Richard Mendoza, deeming them unacceptable under the October directive. (The Chron)
• Austin has until June 22 to submit a compliance plan; failure to do so could result in the city losing access to state or federal funding. (The Chron)

Broader pattern:

• Other Texas cities have already acted under the same order — Houston removed a rainbow crosswalk in the Montrose neighborhood that had been installed as a tribute to a young resident killed in a hit-and-run, and Lubbock announced the removal of street art honoring musician Buddy Holly. (The Chron)
• Abbott has maintained the directive is about keeping roads safe and free from distractions, while also making clear his intent to limit art he views as politically motivated on public roadways. (The Chron)

(Source: The Chron)