\n UT Dallas Removes Pride Mural After SB 17 Scrutiny | Image of the removal of the mural by UTD The Mercury, Kezia Sunil\/web <\/p>\n
The University of Texas at Dallas has removed<\/a> a pride-themed mural from a Student Affairs building after the display drew criticism and questions over whether it complied with Texas\u2019 ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives at public universities.<\/p>\n As previously reported by The Dallas Express<\/a>, the display gained statewide attention after Libs of TikTok posted a June 29 photograph showing a large mural featuring rainbow stripes, transgender colors, and an intersex symbol alongside the words \u201cYou Belong Here\u201d and a UT Dallas Student Affairs logo.<\/p>\n INBOX<\/p>\n Welcome to @UT_Dallas<\/a>. This is what greets you at the student services building <\/p>\n Is this a violation of SB17 @GregAbbott_TX<\/a>?? pic.twitter.com\/1JcjuKk3Kq<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 29, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The mural was originally installed in 2022.<\/p>\n In announcing the installation, UT Dallas Student Affairs official Gene Fitch described the display as a Progress Pride Flag and explained its symbolism.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m excited to share that Student Affairs recently installed a Progress Pride Flag on the second floor of the SSA,\u201d Fitch wrote<\/a> in 2022.<\/p>\n \u201cThis flag includes colors and symbols you may not have seen before, so here\u2019s some background. The original rainbow flag, created in 1978, was a symbol of hope and inclusion for queer people.\u201d<\/p>\n The display resurfaced in public debate after critics questioned whether it complied with Senate Bill 17<\/a>, the 2023 Texas law prohibiting public universities from maintaining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices and certain DEI-related activities.<\/p>\n Among those calling for the mural\u2019s removal was former UT Dallas undergraduate David Blackman, who returned to the university to advocate for compliance with SB 17.<\/p>\n \u201cMy position is strictly legal, illegal,\u201d Blackman told<\/a> The Mercury. \u201cI have no issues with there being a mural, but it cannot be funded by the university. That makes it illegal.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dallas Express reached out to UT Dallas for comment but did not receive a response before publication.<\/p>\n