On a recent visit to the University of Texas, I made several observations. In the newly built AT&T Conference Center, they have two larges arches with quotes inscribed overhead. One has a quote by Tennyson, which is cited, whilst the other has “Ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free” emblazoned without citation. It is telling that the University did not give credit to Jesus for the quote. I wonder if they are ashamed of the source? With a school that preaches strict rules on academic honesty, how could they make such an error? It was a blaring example of hypocrisy.
The campus itself honors former professor J. Frank Dobie, whilst former professor Robert L. Dabney is ignored. Both men were vocal spokesmen for their generations. Yet, only the progressive minded one is acknowledged. Even though the values of Dabney were the values of the generous benefactor George Littlefield, they are not acknowledge. Sure the University took Littlefield’s gifts and money when they needed it, but they continue finding ways to downplay and denigrate the values of those who contributed so mightily to the University. Given that they refuse to give credit for a quote to Jesus, how could I expect them to respect the values of a generous benefactor like George Littlefield?
Sure the University loves the libraries and fountain he gave them, but the continue to plot ways of removing or hiding the statues he gave them. The parts of history they like are celebrated, but the portions that have too much truth for them are ignored.
At the University in Austin, the example is Ye shall (not) know the truth or even credited with the truth.
Liberty for Texas and Texas minds!
J Murrah
Books, Culture, J Frank Dobie, Jesus, Robert l Dabney, University of Texas at Austin
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