As alumni and distinguished graduates of the University of Texas, we write to express our unwavering support for President Jay Hartzell. In the midst of perhaps the most trying time on college campuses since the 1960s, President Hartzell has stood firm, ensuring that the education of young Texans remains the paramount mission of our great university.

While other schools have seen protestors take over large swaths of campus, including the destruction of historic buildings, the vandalism of statues, and the interruption of classes and commencements, President Hartzell and his policies have allowed for peaceful protests, while reigning in violent and out of control agitators.

The University of Texas has long stood for truth and the defense of the First Amendment. Our beloved UT Tower is inscribed with “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” at its base. This phrase is an inspiration for the education students receive and the rights that are protected while they are on campus. President Hartzell has supported those who want to peacefully speak their mind, but when outside agitators decided to occupy the campus and engage in horrific hate speech, he rightly notified them in advance that such activities were antithetical to University policies and social norms.

In order to maintain law and order on campus and protect the majority of students trying to complete their school year, President Hartzell engaged law enforcement to enforce University policies and local laws. The unlawful, and at times dangerous, actions by a small group of students and staff runs counter to what we expect from our fellow Longhorns.

To those faculty members calling for President Hartzell’s resignation, we believe that, if they do not wish to follow state law or University policies, and do not want to protect the student body they serve, then they should resign. We strongly support President Jay Hartzell and his handling of the recent protests on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin.