Protests have erupted in Austin, Texas, after a dispute over parking outside a home opposite Huston-Tillotson University, a historically Black institution.
The row began after a white woman and her husband moved into a house on East 9th Street and allegedly objected to students parking outside their property. A viral video shows a student, identified as Bri, confronting the couple over the claims of harassment.
Bri tells the woman that parking on the street is legal. The woman replies: “We paid $1.5 million for our house, y’all’s graduation rates are 25%.”
When Bri points out that the couple have moved into a historically Black neighbourhood, the woman responds: “This is our neighborhood” and threatens to call the police.
The footage has spread across social media, prompting peaceful demonstrations outside the house. Protesters have been filmed chanting: “You bought a house, not our history.”
Austin parking protests follow dispute
Austin’s Transportation and Public Works department said parking on the relevant section of East 9th Street is permitted.
“Parking is allowed on those blocks of East 9th Street,” the department said. It added that restrictions apply around corner clearances, intersections and driveways, but that the curb is otherwise open for public parking.
Sybill Bradley, a neighbour who has lived on East 9th Street for 16 years, said she had not experienced problems with parking.
“Every once in a while, they’ll block my driveway, and I’ll leave a note saying, ‘Please don’t block my driveway,’” she said. “But they’ve been very mindful and respectful. They’ll move their cars.”
