Federal Ruling Allows Drag Shows at Texas A&M Despite Regents’ Ban

Men can dress up as women on the Texas A&M campus again thanks to a federal judge and a group of students called the Texas A&M Queer Empowerment Council. A drag show ban has been that the Board of Regents voted on in February has been blocked by the judge.

🚫 The Ban and Its Reasoning:

Earlier this year Texas A&M had a ban placed against drag shows on all 11 of their campuses. The reasoning behind the ban was that the content of a drag show was inconsistent with the values of the university and that the content could be seen as being offensive.

🎉 "Draggieland" Lives On:

Prior to the ban, Texas A&M has had an event called "Draggieland" on its campus since 2020. The student-organized event was scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 27th, and it will continue as planned as a result of Judge Lee H. Rosenthal's actions blocking the ban.

⚖️ Judge Rosenthal's Ruling:

Judge Lee H. Rosenthal is a federal judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. The judge ruled that drag shows are a form of theatrical performance which are protected under the first amendment. Judge Rosenthal ruling stated that he believed the Texas A&M Queer Empowerment Council would be able to show that the drag show ban would result in the University violating the student's free speech rights.

⚠️ The Legal Battle Continues:

The case isn't settled yet, and there is still a chance that the ban could be reinstated. For now, though, "Draggieland" will continue as planned. The event will be held at the Rudder Theater on the Texas A&M campus in College Station at 7:30pm on Thursday, March 27th.