Drag Ban Sparks Debate Over Inclusivity And Expression Rights

Texas A&M University System has officially banned drag performances across all 11 campuses, setting off a fierce debate about constitutional rights and campus values that could soon land in federal court.

Quick Takes

Texas A&M regents unanimously passed a resolution banning drag shows at all 11 universities in their system
The ban cites alignment with Trump and Abbott administration orders recognizing only two sexes
Regents claim drag shows create a “hostile environment for women” and don’t align with university values
First Amendment advocates argue the ban represents unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination
The popular student-run “Draggieland” event has been canceled as a result of the new policy

University System Takes Bold Stance Against Drag Performances

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents recently voted to prohibit drag shows from all public facilities under its jurisdiction. The near-unanimous decision affects all 11 universities in the system and cites concerns about “sexualized, vulgar or lewd conduct” that board members claim creates a hostile environment for women. The resolution specifically instructs university leaders to cancel any upcoming drag events and adjust venue policies to prevent such performances, which the board states are inconsistent with the university system’s mission and core values.

According to the regents, the ban aligns with recent executive orders from President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott that recognize only two sexes. The resolution further argues that drag performances promote gender ideology that contradicts these directives. The decision comes in the wake of Texas’ 2023 law that banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and LGBTQ programs at higher education institutions across the state, signaling a broader conservative push to reshape campus culture in Texas.

The @tamusystem Board of Regents passed a resolution to ban drag shows across its 11 campuses, citing both executive orders from @realDonaldTrump and @GregAbbott_TX. A drag show protest is planned for later this week. https://t.co/yqX1r7pTyZ

— The Texan (@TheTexanNews) March 3, 2025

Constitutional Questions and Student Impact

Free speech advocates have quickly raised concerns about the constitutionality of the Texas A&M System’s ban. Legal experts point to a federal judge’s previous ruling that struck down a 2023 Texas law banning drag shows, finding it unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds. The decision already faces potential legal challenges similar to an ongoing case involving West Texas A&M University, where the president canceled a student drag charity show last year, prompting both a no-confidence vote from faculty and a free speech lawsuit.

According to JT Morris, attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression: “Drag is protected expression. Full stop. Whether drag or Bible study, public universities cannot ban or punish students’ protected expression. Banning speech because it might offend someone else is viewpoint discrimination, the third rail of the First Amendment.”

The ban has already affected campus life, most notably through the cancellation of Draggieland, an annual drag show organized by the student Queer Empowerment Council at Texas A&M’s College Station campus. The popular event drew significant attendance, with student Kelly Risch noting it “definitely draws the biggest audience out of any queer event here.” Students now face the challenge of either finding off-campus venues or abandoning their traditional programming altogether, highlighting the practical impact of the regents’ decision on campus cultural life.

Texas A&M's Board of Regents voted to ban drag shows on all 11 of the system's campuses, calling drag shows "inconsistent with the System’s mission and core values."https://t.co/Xx2PDVcny0

— Chron (@chron) March 1, 2025

Criticism from Civil Rights Organizations

Civil rights groups have condemned the resolution, with organizations like the ACLU of Texas and Equality Texas speaking out against what they view as government overreach. Critics argue that the board is more focused on culture wars than education, questioning the timing and necessity of such a ban. Ash Hall, a civil rights advocate, stated that the decision “makes it seem like the Board of Regents is more focused on culture wars than educating their students.”

“They are imposing a restraint on an entire category of protected speech under the First Amendment and in no public college campus should that ever occur per our Constitution,” said Morris.

Sofia Sepulveda from Equality Texas challenged the regents’ reasoning about protecting women, pointing out gender disparities in faculty hiring at Texas A&M and arguing that “women performers also delight in a chance to poke fun at stereotypes that have held women back for generations.” The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has also weighed in, noting that when college administrators attempt to suppress speech they don’t approve of, courts often hold them accountable for violating constitutional protections.