Student LGBTQ+ Organization Sues Texas A&M University Over Drag Performance Ban
A federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Queer Empowerment Council, a coalition of student groups at Texas A&M University-College Station, to block the university from enforcing its newly adopted policy banning drag performances on its public campuses.
The Background
The ban, which was approved by the school’s Board of Regents last week, halts all drag performances on A&M’s 11 public campuses, including the annual "Draggieland" event, which has been held on the College Station campus since 2020. The Board of Regents deemed drag shows "inconsistent with the system’s mission and core values," arguing that the performances "involve conduct that demeans women" and could create a "hostile environment."
The Legal Challenge
Attorneys with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), the organization representing the student coalition, argue that the ban constitutes unconstitutional censorship. "Public universities can’t shut down student expression simply because the administration doesn’t like the ‘ideology’ or finds the expression ‘demeaning,’" said FIRE attorney Adam Steinbaugh. "That’s true not only of drag performances, but also religion, COVID, race, politics, and countless other topics where campus officials are too often eager to silence dissent."
Student Response
Opponents of the drag ban have planned an on-campus "Day of Drag" protest for Thursday and say they remain committed to holding Draggieland, even if forced to move it off-campus. "Drag is self-expression, drag is discovery, drag is empowerment, and no amount of censorship will silence us," read a statement from the Queer Empowerment Council. "We are committed to ensuring that our voices are heard, and that Draggieland will go on, no matter the obstacles we face."
What’s Next
The federal lawsuit is a major challenge to the university’s policy, and the outcome is far from certain. However, the student coalition remains determined to fight for their right to expression and self-identification.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the ban?
A: The ban was implemented to "protect" students from what the Board of Regents deemed "inconsistent with the system’s mission and core values."
Q: What is the impact of the ban?
A: The ban halts all drag performances on A&M’s 11 public campuses, including the annual "Draggieland" event.
Q: What is the legal challenge?
A: The student coalition is suing the university, arguing that the ban constitutes unconstitutional censorship.
Q: What is the outcome of the lawsuit?
A: The outcome is far from certain, but the student coalition remains determined to fight for their right to expression and self-identification.
Image: Raquel Blake dances during the Whose Game is it Anyway drag show Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at The Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall in Dallas. (Yfat Yossifor | KERA)
