In recent days, claims have circulated on social media suggesting that the University of Texas revoked the scholarships of five students who knelt during the U.S. national anthem. This narrative, which gained traction through posts featuring a provocative headline and an accompanying image of athletes kneeling, has been thoroughly debunked. Here’s what the evidence reveals.

Origin of the Claim

The story appears to have originated from a satirical website, which is known for publishing fictional news. The headline, which claimed, “5 Students: ‘Kneeling is respect. We do it before God,’” quickly spread across social media platforms. Many users shared the post without realizing its satirical nature, amplifying misinformation.

Comments accompanying the posts linked to external articles, but these articles lacked credible sources or proper attribution. Instead, they recycled the same content across different platforms with varying headlines, adding to the confusion.

University of Texas Response

John Bianco, Associate Athletics Director of Communications at the University of Texas, addressed the rumor directly, stating via email: “There’s no truth to this rumor.” The university has confirmed that no scholarships have been withdrawn for such a reason.

Misrepresentation of the Image

The photo used in the posts is another layer of misinformation. While the posts claimed the image showed University of Texas students, the picture actually depicts players from the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team, known as the Lady Vols. The photo was taken in January 2021, when the Lady Vols knelt during the national anthem before a game, a gesture aimed at highlighting racial injustice and supporting equality.

The Symbolism of Kneeling

The act of kneeling during the national anthem became a prominent form of protest in 2016, initiated by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The gesture is widely recognized as a symbolic statement against systemic racism, police brutality, and inequality. Despite its intention, kneeling has remained a polarizing act, sparking debates about patriotism and the right to protest.

Conclusion: False Claims

The claim that five University of Texas students lost their scholarships for kneeling during the national anthem is unequivocally false. The narrative is based on a satirical headline, misrepresents a photo from an unrelated event, and has been discredited by university officials. This incident serves as a reminder to verify information before sharing it on social media, particularly when dealing with contentious topics.

The original claim is a stark example of how misinformation can spread rapidly, underscoring the importance of critical thinking and responsible sharing in the digital age.