Leaked Texts Show UNT Leaders Feared 'Barking from Austin' Before Anti-ICE Show Cancelation

Communications reveal administrators were concerned about backlash over plans to cancel an exhibition featuring artwork critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:33pm

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Newly published text messages between leaders at the University of North Texas (UNT) reveal that administrators feared 'any barking from Austin' over plans to cancel an exhibition featuring artwork critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The communications show school president Harrison Keller and provost Michael McPherson discussing the exhibition, 'Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá,' by Brooklyn artist Victor Quiñonez, one week before the show was canceled in February 2026.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about academic freedom and censorship at public universities, as well as the influence of political pressure from state lawmakers on university programming. The cancelation of the anti-ICE art exhibition raises questions about the extent to which university administrators are willing to compromise artistic expression and free speech to avoid potential backlash from conservative state officials.

The details

The leaked text messages show that UNT administrators sought to remove 'pieces of concern' from the exhibition and continue with the rest of the show. However, they ultimately decided to cancel the entire exhibition, with provost McPherson expressing concern that photographs of the artworks featuring anti-ICE messages could circulate before their removal. McPherson also mentioned the need to 'manage any barking from our friends in Austin,' referring to the Texas state capital. Leaked faculty meeting transcripts reveal that the cancelation was an 'institutional directive,' with the dean, Karen Hutzel, warning colleagues to expect a 'media storm' and suggesting that the college itself could face scrutiny from elected officials with the power to allocate state funding.

  • On February 10, 2026, UNT leaders discussed how to announce the show's closure to students.
  • On February 12, 2026, UNT dean Karen Hutzel provided a boilerplate cancelation notice for Boston University, where the show debuted last fall.

The players

Harrison Keller

The president of the University of North Texas.

Michael McPherson

The provost of the University of North Texas.

Victor Quiñonez

A Brooklyn-based artist whose exhibition, 'Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá,' was canceled by the University of North Texas.

Karen Hutzel

The dean of the University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design.

Stefanie Dlugosz-Acton

The director and curator of the University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design Galleries.

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What they’re saying

“Our group met this morning regarding the gallery show. We believe all pieces that are of concern can be removed and the rest of the exhibition can continue. You ok with that?”

— Michael McPherson, Provost (Urgent Matter)

“I think it'll be easier to manage any barking from our friends in Austin. There will likely be some folks who are upset about perceived censorship. UBSC is ready to address any as such.”

— Michael McPherson, Provost (Urgent Matter)

What’s next

The University of North Texas is expected to face continued scrutiny and potential backlash from faculty, students, and the broader public over the cancelation of the anti-ICE art exhibition.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tension between academic freedom and political pressure on public universities in Texas, as Republican lawmakers have increasingly used budget cuts and other measures to influence university programming and censor content deemed ideologically unpalatable. The cancelation of the 'Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá' exhibition raises concerns about the willingness of university administrators to compromise artistic expression and free speech to avoid potential backlash from conservative state officials.