I went to UT and this has been controversial for years. I always walked by those statues. Never gave much thought of them. Never offended me.
I grew up in central Texas and attended UT Austin as an undergraduate. Besides the Confederate leader likenesses, there also stands a W. Wilson, a G. Wasington, striding great his hand on his hilt, an M.L. King, and other fine sculptures. The controversial statues intriqued me and led me investigate the Civil War and to think about our country, just as the other statues did. I say leave them in place. Remove not the ancient landmark which your fathers set up, wisdom advises.