Texas A&M Sued Over Campus-Wide Drag Show Ban

The Queer Empowerment Council claims the university's policy violates First Amendment rights and state open meeting laws.

The Texas A&M Board of Regents recently approved a resolution banning drag shows across all 11 campuses, citing concerns about gender ideology and potential hostile environments for women.
The student-led Queer Empowerment Council has filed a federal lawsuit, arguing the ban constitutes unconstitutional censorship and violates students' First Amendment rights.
The lawsuit also challenges the university's compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, alleging insufficient notice for the Board of Regents' decision-making session.
The annual drag show, Draggieland, scheduled for March 27, has been canceled on campus, prompting protests and a planned 'Day of Drag' demonstration by students and supporters.
Legal experts and advocacy groups like FIRE argue that drag shows are protected expressive conduct under the First Amendment, and past rulings have struck down similar anti-drag policies.