BLM Government Responses. Statue Removal at Texas Universities.

BLM led to a question to the Texas Attorney General about whether Texas A&M had authority to remove a statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross.

So can A&M remove the Sull Ross statue? If they get permission… Meaning, it’s complicated.

Why does A&M need permission to remove the statue? Because Section 2166.5011 of the Government Code applies to the statue as it honors, in part, Ross’ military service. Which means the university can get approval from the Legislature or it can by statute move the statue to another prominent location.

Is there a loophole that allows the Historical Commission or State Preservation Board to remove the statue? No, because A&M is outside the jurisdiction of both.

Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-0325 (2020)

Bryan Eagle | Paxton: Legislature must sign off on any relocation of Texas A&M’s Ross statue