University of North Texas closes art exhibition days after opening

An art exhibition at the University of North Texas in Denton was closed within days of its February 3 opening. The show included resin sculptures shaped like Mexican popsicles that contained items such as handcuffs and replica firearms, with parody seals referencing U.S. immigration enforcement.

The exhibition had previously been displayed at Boston University. University officials did not respond to requests for comment on the decision to close the show.

Records request reveals internal messages An independent journalist obtained text messages between the university president and then-provost through a public records request. The messages showed initial discussion of removing specific pieces before the provost decided to close the entire exhibition.

The provost wrote that removing the show would be easier for managing reactions from officials in Austin, where the Texas state legislature is located. The former provost later became a senior advisor to the president.

Student and faculty reactions A student who graduated in May said the arts program atmosphere had changed, with faculty members writing an anonymous open letter protesting the closure. Graduating seniors moved their traditional campus exhibition to independent venues in Denton and Dallas.

The same artist’s work is scheduled to appear at the University of California, Santa Cruz in September. The University of North Texas is subject to a 2023 state law that eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public colleges. The White House has withheld federal funding from universities whose policies do not align with administration priorities on these issues.