Recent reports claiming that a University of Texas student was immediately expelled for kneeling during the national anthem have stirred significant controversy, but investigations reveal these claims are unfounded. Social media posts alleging that the University of Texas at Austin took drastic disciplinary action against a student for this act of protest have spread rapidly, often accompanied by images of athletes kneeling. However, fact-checking by multiple outlets, including Reuters and USA TODAY, confirms there is no evidence to support these claims. John Bianco, a spokesperson for the university, explicitly stated, “There’s no truth to this rumor,” emphasizing that no such expulsion occurred. The images circulated online were misleading, depicting athletes from other institutions, such as the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team in 2021 and Kennesaw State cheerleaders in 2018, not University of Texas students.
The controversy echoes a broader national debate sparked by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice. This act has since inspired similar protests across various levels of sports and education, often polarizing public opinion. At the University of Texas, past discussions around anthem protests have surfaced, notably in 2016 when then-Chancellor Bill McRaven urged athletes to stand during the anthem, citing respect for the flag. However, there is no record of the university expelling students or revoking scholarships for kneeling, despite viral claims suggesting otherwise. The NCAA’s bylaws allow scholarship revocation only under specific conditions, such as fraud or serious misconduct, none of which include kneeling during the anthem.
The spread of this false narrative highlights the power of misinformation in the digital age. Social media platforms have amplified unverified stories, with a recent Facebook post claiming the university “rounded up” students for kneeling gaining significant traction before being debunked. Similar claims in 2023, originating from a satirical website, falsely alleged that the university revoked scholarships from football players for the same reason. These incidents underscore the importance of verifying sources, especially when inflammatory claims risk escalating tensions. The University of Texas, like many institutions, operates under First Amendment protections, which safeguard students’ rights to peaceful protest, as affirmed by landmark Supreme Court cases like West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette in 1943.
While the false report has been discredited, it has reignited discussions about free expression on college campuses. Supporters of anthem protests argue they are a legitimate form of political speech, while critics view them as disrespectful to national symbols. The University of Texas remains a focal point in this debate, given its size and influence, but no evidence suggests it has punished students for kneeling. As misinformation continues to challenge public discourse, this incident serves as a reminder to approach viral claims with skepticism and seek out credible sources. The university’s commitment to fostering open dialogue will likely shape how it navigates future controversies surrounding student expression.
