Governor Greg Abbott’s directive has prompted the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to instruct the City of Austin to remove street markings, including rainbow crosswalks and the “Black Artists Matter” mural, from public roads.
The directive emerged after Abbott communicated concerns over political and artistic expressions on public roadways, mandating uniformity in road markings across Texas. TXDOT conveyed this decision to Austin, requiring the city to restore roadways to their standard state.
The rainbow crosswalks and “Black Artists Matter” mural have been notable symbols in Austin, reflecting the city’s commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ rights and the artistic community.
City officials have stated their obligation to comply with state-level directives but acknowledge the concerns of the community regarding cultural and social representation.