On Friday, the Texas A&M System Board of Regents unanimously passed a resolution banning drag show events at the 11 universities under its jurisdiction. The decision, made during a special meeting, was framed as an effort to align university policies with the system’s mission and values, as well as state and federal directives.
The resolution states that drag performances, often associated with LGBTQ+ culture and artistic expression, do not reflect the university system’s principles and "may be considered promotion of gender ideology." Regents also argued that such performances contribute to a “hostile environment for women,” an assertion that LGBTQ+ advocates strongly dispute.
Context and Legal Landscape
The move comes in the wake of a broader political climate in Texas that has sought to restrict LGBTQ+ events and gender-related discussions in public institutions. In 2023, Texas lawmakers passed a law banning drag performances in certain public settings, but a federal judge later ruled it unconstitutional, citing First Amendment protections on free speech. Despite the legal setback, Texas A&M’s governing board has taken independent action to remove drag performances from its campuses.
As part of the resolution, the regents directed Chancellor John Sharp and individual university presidents to amend policies to ensure compliance. This includes canceling the annual Draggieland event, organized by the Queer Empowerment Council, which was set to take place at Texas A&M’s College Station campus on March 27, 2025. The student organization, which was not informed of the decision before the vote, expressed disappointment and concern over what they see as a suppression of LGBTQ+ expression.
Debate Over Values and Free Speech
University officials emphasized that the decision was about maintaining institutional values. “The board finds that it is inconsistent with the system’s mission and core values, including the value of respect for others, to allow special event venues of the universities to be used for drag shows,” the resolution states.
However, free speech and civil rights advocates argue that the ban represents a troubling expansion of censorship on university campuses. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a national free speech advocacy group, has already taken legal action in similar cases, including a lawsuit against West Texas A&M University after its president canceled a student-led drag charity show in 2023. That decision led to a faculty vote of no confidence and ongoing legal battles over constitutional rights on campus.
What’s Next?
The Texas A&M System has begun implementing the new directive, with university officials notifying student organizations of the change. While there has been no immediate legal challenge to the regents’ decision, free speech advocates warn that such policies could face scrutiny in the courts.
