Internal Communications Show University of North Texas Administrators Deliberated Cancelling Immigrant Rights Exhibition
Newly obtained internal communications have shed light on the controversial decision by the University of North Texas (UNT) to abruptly cancel an exhibition of works criticizing the treatment of immigrants in the United States. The exhibition, titled Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá, by artist Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez, was cancelled without explanation in February, sparking accusations of censorship from free speech groups and causing the majority of the current Studio Art MFA cohort to withdraw from upcoming thesis shows in solidarity with Quiñonez.
According to public records first reported by independent journalist Adam Schrader and reviewed by Hyperallergic, the university’s Provost Michael McPherson and President Harrison Keller discussed the cancellation of Quiñonez’s show in private text messages. Days before the show was cancelled, McPherson and Keller discussed the possibility of removing specific works from the exhibition in text exchanges obtained via a public records request.
In one exchange, McPherson informed Keller that all pieces of concern could be removed, to which Keller replied in agreement. However, the decision ultimately shifted towards dismantling the entire exhibition, with McPherson citing the need to manage potential backlash from critics of the decision.
Quiñonez, who was born in Mexico and experienced his father’s deportation, had included works from his I.C.E Scream sculptural series in the exhibition. These works, which are modeled after popsicles and often feature suspended guns and handcuffs, serve as a critique of the treatment of Latino immigrants by the federal government.
Following the cancellation, Quiñonez expressed his disappointment in the decision, stating that the internal communications revealed the impact of art when it speaks truth to power. He emphasized the importance of not being silenced and called for institutions and organizations to support artists creating work that unites communities.
Additional documents obtained from UNT’s public records office included emails between College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) staff discussing the cancellation. Dean Karen Hutzel provided a template for notifying the artist of the decision, suggesting a greeting that did not express regret or apology. A timeline of events leading up to the removal of the exhibition was also detailed, referencing a new policy implemented last year to protect free expression on campus.
The decision to cancel the exhibition has sparked debate and criticism, with many questioning the university’s commitment to free speech and artistic expression. As the controversy continues to unfold, the conversation around censorship and the role of universities in supporting diverse voices in the arts remains at the forefront of public discourse. The University of North Texas (UNT) has faced criticism for removing an art exhibition by artist Sergio Quiñonez without publicly stating their reasons for doing so. The decision to take down the artwork has sparked controversy, with some speculating that pressure from Republicans or fear of angering government officials who support President Trump’s immigration policies may have influenced the university’s actions.
Obtained emails and text messages reveal that UNT cited concerns about potential disruption, impact on the educational environment, and campus safety as reasons for cancelling the exhibition. However, the university has not provided a clear explanation for their decision, leaving many in the campus community puzzled and frustrated.
The timing of the exhibition removal is significant, as Texas’s Republican-led state legislature recently passed a bill granting the government control over content at public colleges and universities. Additionally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a vocal supporter of President Trump’s immigration crackdown, has launched investigations into school districts where students protested against ICE violence. Paxton has also criticized UNT for allegedly failing to address “left-wing extremism” on campus.
Critics, including the ACLU of Texas and the National Coalition Against Censorship, have condemned UNT’s actions, arguing that public universities should promote open debate and critical thinking on a variety of topics, including immigration and human rights. The decision to remove Quiñonez’s artwork has raised concerns about censorship and the stifling of free speech on campus.
Despite multiple requests for comment, UNT has not responded to inquiries from Hyperallergic. The lack of transparency surrounding the exhibition removal has only fueled speculation and criticism from those who believe that the university’s actions may have been politically motivated.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the removal of Quiñonez’s artwork highlights the delicate balance between promoting a safe and respectful campus environment and upholding principles of free speech and academic freedom. The aftermath of this decision may have far-reaching implications for UNT and its reputation as a place of learning and intellectual inquiry.
