UTD's student-run newspaper since 1980

The UTD Mercury
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UTD's student-run newspaper since 1980

The UTD Mercury
UTD's student-run newspaper since 1980

The UTD Mercury

‘The wall still lives’

Photos show the Progress Pride mural has been covered by a wall
Jane Burkhardt and Kezia Sunil • July 7, 2026
Taylor Henry
The Progress Pride mural remains behind a newly installed wall in the SSA on July 7.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include the most relevant information.

 

Photos taken by Mercury staff show the Progress Pride mural in the Student Services Addition covered by a white wall. The mural, which many students believed was completely removed July 3, was found behind what appears to be a temporary wall with doors.

UTD has also placed “YOUR FAR-OUT IDEAS AT WORK” posters in front of the newly installed wall. According to the Dean of Students Amanda Smith, the main floor of the SSA is undergoing construction.

The Mercury has reached out to Vice President of Student Affairs Gene Fitch and Dean of Students Amanda Smith to ask whether the wall is temporary and whether there are plans to remove the Pride wall completely. As of publication, The Mercury has not received a response from either administrator.  

This is a breaking news story. The Mercury will provide updates as new information becomes available.

The Progress Pride mural remains behind a newly installed wall in the SSA on July 7. (Taylor Henry)

Update: July 8, 6:50 p.m.: Fitch responded for comment, sharing an email from Smith sent July 1.

“I’m excited to share that the second floor of the Student Services Addition soon will become a new hub designed to support discovery, community, and innovation!” Smith wrote. 

The email discusses planned renovations to the second floor of the SSA, but does not mention any changes to the Pride mural.

 

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About the Contributors
Jane Burkhardt
Jane Burkhardt, Editor-in-Chief
Jane Burkhardt is a freshman at UT Dallas from Phoenix, Arizona. She enjoys going to the gym, reading, and meeting new people. Jane has experience serving in editor roles for her award-winning high school paper, The XPress and newsletter, The GatorByte. A hard-working individual, Jane is looking forward to competing on the UT Dallas Women’s Volleyball Team this fall and making an impact.
Kezia Sunil
Kezia Sunil, Managing Editor

Kezia is from Lewisville, Texas, and is super excited to get involved at UTD this fall! When she’s not coming up with new website ideas or writing code for robotics, you can usually find her binge-watching her favorite shows. Right now, she’s obsessed with One Piece and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Taylor Henry
Taylor Henry, Graphics Editor
Taylor Henry is a junior majoring in visual performing arts here at UTD. Henry is passionate about illustration, and they are even looking to pursue it professionally. They have currently involved themselves in many on campus clubs providing graphics assistance. Henry is putting their years of illustration and graphics experience into making The Mercury look as good as its writing is.