Administrators say they are reviewing bus company contract after third party used vehicles with university logo
Texas State University buses spotted at an anti-Trump protest Saturday were not commissioned or paid for by the public institution, its leaders said Sunday in response to criticism.
“The buses are not owned by TXST. No state/federal funds were used to purchase them. Our contractor has been allowed to lease their buses to others,” university President Kelly Damphousse wrote on X.
To avoid future confusion, administrators are working to amend the busing contract, the university announced in a statement Sunday.
“Effective immediately, TXST President Kelly Damphousse has directed the university to seek modifications to the TransDev contract to prevent TXST-branded buses from being used for non-university purposes,” the university stated.
“In addition, as soon as possible, TXST branded buses will no longer be subleased,” it stated.
On Saturday, buses bearing the university’s branding were seen picking up people for the “Hands Off!” protest at the state Capitol in Austin, The University Star reports.
The protest – one of 1,400 across the country, according to CNN – opposed President Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, and cuts to government offices and spending, calling them a “scam” and a “bankroll” for the “ultra-rich.”
Ahead of the protest in Austin, a video on X showed people with signs getting onto two buses, both with the university’s name and logo.
The video caught the attention of Republican state Rep. Brian Harrison.
Texas taxpayers… that’s who pays for those busses.
Madness!
The Texas government needs to grow a backbone and defund all government agencies and public universities engaged in leftist propaganda.
Instead, the House budget INCREASES funding for them.
Texans deserve better! https://t.co/ncSKou9sF5
— Brian Harrison (@brianeharrison) April 6, 2025
On the same thread, Harrison criticized the public institution for promoting a progressive ideology, including diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As evidence, the Republican lawmaker shared the syllabus from an English class being offered at the university this spring, “Trans/Formations: Queer Memoirs of Becoming, Living, Being.” A photo on the syllabus shows a stuffed whale holding a transgender pride flag.
MORE: Cancel culture: ‘Bluebonnet Lady of Texas’ axed at Texas State University
IMAGE CAPTION AND CREDIT: Buses bearing the Texas State University name and logo pick up people for an anti-Trump protest in Austin. mamamomo2024/X
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