Systemwide Drag Show Ban At Texas A&M Now In Effect

People holding rainbow flags at an outdoor gathering

Texas A&M University System has banned drag shows across its 11 campuses, citing alignment with Trump and Abbott administration policies, while facing criticism from free speech advocates who view the ban as unconstitutional.

Key Insights

Texas A&M regents unanimously passed a resolution banning drag shows across all 11 system universities, claiming these events create a “hostile environment for women”
The ban was justified as enforcing presidential and gubernatorial orders recognizing only two sexes and eliminating DEI initiatives
Free speech advocates argue the ban violates First Amendment protections, with one federal judge already ruling a similar 2023 Texas law unconstitutional
The popular student-organized “Draggieland” event has been canceled, forcing organizers to seek off-campus venues

Texas A&M System Implements System-Wide Drag Ban

In a decisive move reflecting conservative priorities, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has enacted a comprehensive ban on drag performances across all facilities under its jurisdiction. The resolution, passed with only one abstention, prohibits any drag shows from being held at the system’s 11 universities. The board cited concerns about “sexualized, vulgar or lewd conduct” and claimed such performances could create a hostile environment for women, potentially violating anti-discrimination laws and contradicting institutional values.

The ban follows recent executive actions from President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott that explicitly recognize only two biological sexes. It also aligns with Texas’ 2023 law that eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and LGBTQ programs from state higher education institutions. University officials were directed to cancel any scheduled drag performances and adjust venue policies to prevent future events of this nature.

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

Traditional Values vs. Constitutional Rights

The regents’ decision reflects traditional conservative values that view drag performances as demeaning to women and potentially promoting gender ideologies inconsistent with the university’s educational mission. The resolution characterizes drag shows as activities that mock femininity through exaggerated stereotypes. This perspective resonates with many parents and alumni who expect public universities to maintain traditional standards and focus on academic excellence rather than controversial social expressions.

“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 JT Morris, senior attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, of the regent’s decision Friday.

However, legal experts note significant constitutional concerns with the ban. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has emphasized that drag performances constitute protected expression under the First Amendment. In fact, a federal judge previously struck down a similar 2023 Texas law targeting drag shows, ruling it placed unconstitutional restrictions on free speech. University administrators now face potential legal challenges as they implement the contested policy.

On Friday, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents decided to ban drag shows from all 11 of its university campuses. https://t.co/5QIZ7H8gZe

— Spectrum News 1 Texas (@SpectrumNews1TX) March 3, 2025

Impact on Campus Communities

The immediate effect of the ban is the cancellation of “Draggieland,” an annual event organized by the student Queer Empowerment Council at Texas A&M’s College Station campus. This popular event typically drew substantial attendance and served as a central gathering for LGBTQ students and allies. Student organizers will now need to find off-campus venues if they wish to continue the tradition, potentially reducing accessibility and increasing costs for participants.

Kelly Risch, student organizer of Draggieland, said, “It really was an awesome place where people could come and express themselves. It definitely draws the biggest audience out of any queer event here, and the fact that it happened on campus was a really big deal, because there’s really not a lot of similar events like that at that magnitude or scale.”

Critics, including the ACLU of Texas, have condemned the resolution as misguided and potentially discriminatory. Sofia Sepulveda from Equality Texas highlighted that the board’s focus on drag shows seemed inconsistent with addressing actual gender disparities at the institution, such as the significant imbalance in faculty hiring that favors male professors. Some observers view the ban as part of broader culture war politics rather than substantive educational policy.

Historical Context and Precedent

This system-wide ban follows a controversial 2023 incident at West Texas A&M University, where President Walter Wendler unilaterally canceled a student-organized drag charity show. That decision prompted a faculty no-confidence vote and a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of his actions. The outcome of that case may provide insight into the legal viability of the current system-wide prohibition, as courts continue to evaluate the balance between institutional authority and constitutional protections.

The Texas A&M System maintains that its regents have legitimate authority to determine appropriate uses for university venues and to ensure all activities align with institutional values and missions. A system spokesperson declined to address specific free speech concerns or explain why the resolution required a special meeting. As implementation begins, many observers anticipate continued tension between traditional values and constitutional rights at Texas public universities.