The University of Texas has announced sweeping changes to address racial inclusivity demands by several Black student-athletes, including renaming facilities and expanded recruitment efforts for Black students.

UT president Jay Hartzell detailed plans in an open letter to the community. On the athletic side, that includes renaming Joe Jamail Field – with the Jamail family’s blessing – after Black Heisman winners Ricky Williams and Earl Campbell. A statue will also be created of Julius Whittier, the first Black football letterman, at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium. 

On the academic side, the school will rename the Robert L. Moore Building as the Physics, Math and Astronomy Building. Moore famously refused to teach Black students, even as the school integrated. 

Additionally, Texas will allocate a portion of athletic revenue to recruit and support Black students. Steps include expanded outreach in the major metros, a recruitment plan for a more diverse staff and expansion of the UT Austin Police Oversight Committee. Nearly 13 percent of the state of Texas identifies as Black; just 5.1 percent of UT-Austin is Black. 

However, Texas also declined several requests that student-athletes made in an open letter in June. Most notably, “The Eyes of Texas” will remain. Hartzell wrote that “it is my belief that we can effectively reclaim and redefine what this song stands for by first owning and acknowledging its history in a way that is open and transparent.” 

Additionally, the school will not rename Painter Hall, Littlefield Hall or the Hogg Auditorium. UT will instead make renewed efforts to educate about the full history of the namesakes. Painter Hall will also be graced by the Herman M. Sweatt Entrance on 24th Street; Sweatt was the first Black undergraduate at Texas who sued Painter’s UT for admission and won. 

“Every action we take must support the people who make UT such a special place and must fulfill our mission to teach, learn and discover,” Hartzell wrote. 

Several Black student-athletes across many sports shared the open letter in June, including dozens on the football team. The group threatened to not participate in donor and recruiting events until changes were made. Projected starting linebacker DeMarvion Overshown became the first to boycott team activities until changes were made. 

It’s unclear whether the measures will be sufficient for Black student-athletes at Texas, but the early social media reaction was positive. Texas safety Caden Sterns said: “Great day to be a Longhorn.” Overshown said: “We are one.” Others quote tweeted with “Hook ‘Em” signs and with #WeAreOne. 

The Texas players are just the latest to band together and stand up to their university. At Iowa, several Black athletes recalled racial mistreatment during their time in the program that led to longtime strength coach Chris Doyle being let go. At Texas A&M, student-athletes are advocating for the removal of a statue of Confederate general Sul Ross in the middle of campus.