By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
09/14/25
At the Monday, September 8th, Uvalde County Commissioners Court meeting, Uvalde County Judge William “Bill” Mitchell appeared to respond to the clothing Diana Olvedo-Karau had worn at the meeting. Karau was wearing a campaign t-shirt promoting her bid for a seat on the Uvalde County Commissioners Court for the 2026 election. A few weeks ago, Karau had announced on her Facebook page she would be running for Uvalde County Commissioners Court Precinct as a Democrat.
Mitchell said, “As we get into the political season, this courtroom is not a political platform for anybody. There will be nobody wearing any type of advertising, any candidate, themselves or anyone else that walks in this courtroom. It’s been a policy of the court for a long time. We are not going to allow people to use this (as a) debate pulpit…(words unclear on video) You are welcome to make your statements.”
The Uvalde Hesperian met with Mitchell Friday, September 12th to get clarification on the appropriate dress according to the policy of the Commissioners Court.
When asked about what policy the Judge Mitchell was referring to, he presented a document listing the rules of procedure, conduct and decorum which reads, “Proper attire for men, women and children is mandatory. Those members of the public who are improperly attired and/or who do not conduct themselves in an orderly and appropriate manner will be ordered to leave the meeting. “
What specifically is deemed as “proper attire” is not specified.
“No signs or placards for or against an issue shall be allowed in the commissioners courtroom.”
According to Mitchell, he stated to the Hesperian that a t-shirt with a political message falls under the sign or placard clause of the printed rules.
Karau stated to the Uvalde Hesperian she believes wearing a campaign t-shirt falls under the 1st Amendment as a right granted by the U.S. Constitution.
The issue of appropriate clothing has been challenged before at the Uvalde County Commissioners Court. Brett Cross wore a t-shirt featuring a profane word (F-word) when speaking before the Uvalde County Commissioners in 2024 following a meeting where Cross was arrested for using profane language.
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