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University of North Texas Abruptly Closes Anti-ICE Art Exhibition, Terminates Loan

The public university has offered no reason, prompting faculty to demand an explanation under its art exhibition policy.

Overview

  • The traveling solo show by Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez opened on February 3 at UNT’s CVAD Galleries, featuring his I.C.E. Scream sculptures critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
  • Within days, students found the gallery locked, its glass walls papered over, and references to the exhibition removed from university websites and social media.
  • On February 11, CVAD director Stefanie Dlugosz‑Acton emailed the artist and Boston University stating UNT had terminated the loan agreement and would return the works.
  • UNT has not issued a public statement or provided a reason for canceling the exhibition despite media requests for comment.
  • Faculty in the College of Visual Arts and Design posted an open letter seeking the university’s rationale under free‑expression policy, as coverage notes a prior removal of pro‑Palestinian works and reports of students planning a protest.