San Antonio, December 16, 2025
San Antonio plans to remove its rainbow crosswalks after the Texas Department of Transportation deemed the city’s request to keep them unacceptable. This decision follows a state mandate ordering the removal of non-standard road markings that convey political or ideological messages. The crosswalks, symbols of support for the LGBTQ+ community, are part of a larger trend in Texas cities facing similar challenges in balancing state directives and local cultural expressions.
San Antonio to Remove Rainbow Crosswalks After State Deems Request to Keep Them Unacceptable
San Antonio, Texas – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has denied San Antonio’s request to maintain its rainbow crosswalks, leading the city to plan their removal. This decision follows a state directive mandating the removal of non-standard road markings deemed to advance political or ideological messages.
State Directive and City’s Response
In October 2025, Governor Greg Abbott ordered TxDOT to ensure that cities and counties remove “any and all political ideologies” from streets within 30 days, threatening to withhold state and federal transportation funding from non-compliant municipalities. The directive specifically targets decorative crosswalks, murals, and markings conveying artwork or other messages unless they serve a direct traffic control or safety function. San Antonio’s rainbow crosswalks, installed in 2018 at the intersection of North Main Avenue and East Evergreen Street, are among those affected by this order. The city had sought an exemption from TxDOT, arguing that the crosswalks did not pose a safety risk and had been in place for several years without incident. However, TxDOT deemed the city’s exemption request “not acceptable,” leading to the decision to remove the crosswalks. The removal process is expected to begin shortly, in compliance with the state’s directive. This action aligns with similar measures taken in other Texas cities, such as Houston and Dallas, where rainbow crosswalks have been removed to adhere to the state’s order. The removal of these crosswalks has sparked discussions about the balance between state directives and local cultural expressions, particularly concerning symbols of the LGBTQ+ community. San Antonio’s rainbow crosswalks were a significant symbol for the city’s LGBTQ+ community, and their removal marks a notable change in the city’s landscape.
Background on Rainbow Crosswalks
Rainbow crosswalks are painted crosswalks featuring rainbow colors, symbolizing support and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. They have been installed in various cities across the United States as expressions of inclusivity and pride. In San Antonio, the rainbow crosswalks were part of the city’s Pride Cultural Heritage District, designated in June 2025, and were seen as a testament to the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The removal of these crosswalks has been met with disappointment and concern among community members and advocates, who view the crosswalks as important symbols of acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The state’s directive has raised questions about the intersection of state authority, local governance, and the preservation of cultural symbols that represent community values and identities.
Implications and Community Response
The removal of the rainbow crosswalks in San Antonio reflects a broader trend in Texas, where several cities have faced similar challenges in balancing state mandates with local cultural expressions. Community members and advocates have expressed concerns that such actions may undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and acceptance. The situation underscores the ongoing dialogue about the role of state directives in local cultural and social matters, particularly concerning symbols that represent marginalized communities. As the removal process proceeds, discussions continue about the future of such symbols and the broader implications for community identity and expression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did San Antonio’s rainbow crosswalks have to be removed?
San Antonio’s rainbow crosswalks were removed following a directive from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which mandated the removal of non-standard road markings deemed to advance political or ideological messages. The city’s request to keep the crosswalks was denied by TxDOT, leading to their removal to comply with state regulations.
What was the community’s reaction to the removal of the rainbow crosswalks?
The removal of the rainbow crosswalks has sparked disappointment and concern among community members and advocates, who view the crosswalks as important symbols of acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community. There are ongoing discussions about the balance between state directives and local cultural expressions.
Have other cities in Texas faced similar situations?
Yes, other cities in Texas, including Houston and Dallas, have also removed their rainbow crosswalks to comply with the state’s directive. This reflects a broader trend in the state regarding the removal of non-standard road markings that convey political or ideological messages.
What are rainbow crosswalks, and why are they significant?
Rainbow crosswalks are painted crosswalks featuring rainbow colors, symbolizing support and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. They have been installed in various cities across the United States as expressions of inclusivity and pride. In San Antonio, the rainbow crosswalks were part of the city’s Pride Cultural Heritage District and were seen as a testament to the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
What does the state’s directive entail?
The state’s directive, issued by Governor Greg Abbott, ordered TxDOT to ensure that cities and counties remove “any and all political ideologies” from streets within 30 days. This includes the removal of decorative crosswalks, murals, and markings conveying artwork or other messages unless they serve a direct traffic control or safety function. Non-compliance could result in the withholding of state and federal transportation funding from municipalities.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State Directive | Governor Greg Abbott ordered TxDOT to remove “any and all political ideologies” from streets within 30 days, including non-standard road markings like rainbow crosswalks. |
| City’s Response | San Antonio requested an exemption from TxDOT, arguing that the crosswalks did not pose a safety risk, but the request was denied. |
| Community Reaction | Community members and advocates expressed disappointment and concern over the removal, viewing the crosswalks as symbols of acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community. |
| Other Affected Cities | Houston and Dallas have also removed their rainbow crosswalks to comply with the state’s directive. |
| Background on Rainbow Crosswalks | Rainbow crosswalks are painted crosswalks featuring rainbow colors, symbolizing support and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, and have been installed in various cities across the United States. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
