Texas A&M University System is trying to comply with executive orders from President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott that instruct agencies against promoting “gender ideology” so as not to risk losing federal and state funding. To that end, the Board of Regents last month banned drag shows being held at its venues across the university system, meaning the annual “Draggieland” planned for this week was a no-go. But as we’re now seeing time after time, the move is being blocked by the courts, this time on First Amendment grounds.
“In recent years, the commitment to free speech on campuses has been both challenging and challenged,” ruled Judge Lee Rosenthal. “There have been efforts from all sides of the political spectrum to disrupt or prevent students, faculty, and others from expressing opinions and speech that are deemed, or actually are, offensive or wrong. But the law requires the recognition and application of speech rights and guardrails that preserve and protect all our treasured First Amendment rights.”
The Queer Empowerment Council, the student group that sponsors the event, celebrated the ruling.
“This is another display of the resilience of queer joy, as that is an unstoppable force despite those that wish to see it destroyed,” the group said. “While this fight isn’t over, we are going to appreciate the joy we get to bring by putting on the best show that we can do.”
US District Judge Lee Rosenthal just ruled that Texas A&M must allow a drag show to take place.
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 24, 2025
Judges are now forcing queer theory and s*xually explicit shows to take place at Universities. https://t.co/pbi9b9jECn pic.twitter.com/7OWB5gtgMI
Texas universities have every right to dictate what events are held on their campuses.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 24, 2025
Drag shows promote radical gender ideology. They are not welcome at Texas universities.
Our universities must educate our students—NOT indoctrinate them.https://t.co/EKrVfodxlV
A federal judge—this one appointed by George H. W. Bush—has ordered Texas A&M to host a drag show.
— Michael Quinn Sullivan 🇺🇸 (@MQSullivan) March 24, 2025
You don't have nearly enough contempt for the black-robed philosopher activists sitting in the federal judiciary. https://t.co/5ehyjIlDfb
