Tensions boiled over at the University of Texas as the academic year drew to a close, with the UT community sharply divided over the handling of recent campus protests. Just ahead of commencement festivities, the UT Faculty Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday throwing shade at the university's heavy-handed approach to pro-Palestine demonstrations, which saw an overwhelming law enforcement presence and over 100 arrests, CBS Austin reported.

"We need to be asking ourselves: was the University’s response to the recent protests consistent with the completely free and open discussion of ideas?” James Slotta, a UT professor, questioned the university's commitment to open debate, citing the preemptive shutdown of protests and the swift use of force as potential betrayals of those values, according to CBS Austin. 

On the flip side, and in stark contrast, Chair Kevin Eltife at the University of Texas System Board of Regents meeting stood firmly by their decisions to bring in state cops, saying "no president in the UT system made those decisions on their own," and suggesting tough measures will be on the table again if deemed necessary, KXAN noted.

While the faculty body appears at odds with the administration over the principle of free speech, Eltife quashed any speculation about withdrawing support for UT President Jay Hartzell and the use of external law enforcement. Eltife made it clear that the board would not “allow our campuses disrupted by the few at the expense of others,” expressing complete backing for their actions in the face of criticism and dismissing concerns raised by faculty members, as per KXAN.

Amidst the discord, faculty members have amassed over 650 signatures in a petition to hold a vote of no confidence against Hartzell, their dissatisfaction echoing through the halls of the institution as the top brass stands unwavering. Eltife has also, openly rejected the idea of divestment from Israel, countering votes of no confidence as something unfazed by the collective might of the board's endorsement of their decisions, during the same meeting where Texas Department of Public Safety Chief Steve McCraw received a standing ovation, illustrating the chasm between the upper cradle of leadership and the scholarly community, as cited by CBS Austin.