Federal overreach strikes again as a judge forces Texas A&M University to host a controversial drag performance on campus despite objections from state leadership. The ruling undermines the university’s authority to determine appropriate campus events, allowing a student-led LGBTQ group to proceed with their “Draggieland” show.
At a glance:
• A federal judge blocked Texas A&M University System’s ban on drag performances, allowing a student-run “Draggieland” show to proceed
• The Texas A&M Board of Regents had prohibited drag shows, citing conflicts with university values
• U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal ruled the ban unconstitutional under First Amendment protections
• Texas Governor Greg Abbott opposed the ruling, stating universities should not host events promoting “radical gender ideology”
• The case highlights growing tension between conservative state policies and federal court interpretations of constitutional rights
Liberal Judge Overturns University’s Authority
U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal issued a temporary injunction against Texas A&M University System, forcing the school to allow a student drag performance after the Board of Regents had banned such events. The ruling is another example of judicial activism overriding decisions made by duly appointed university leaders attempting to uphold traditional values.
The Texas A&M Queer Empowerment Council sued after their annual “Draggieland” event was canceled, claiming the ban violated their First Amendment rights. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) filed the lawsuit on behalf of the student group, ignoring legitimate concerns about appropriateness of such content on a public university campus.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott strongly condemned the judge’s decision, standing firm with conservatives who believe such performances have no place at taxpayer-funded institutions. “Texas universities have every right to dictate what events are held on their campuses,” Abbott stated, “Drag shows promote radical gender ideology. They are not welcome at Texas universities.”
University Sought to Protect Its Mission
The Texas A&M Board of Regents initially passed the resolution prohibiting drag performances based on concerns they could violate the university’s educational mission. The Board specifically cited potential violations of a Trump Executive Order against promoting gender ideology and argued such performances could contribute to a hostile environment for female students.
The Board reasonably claimed that Rudder Theatre, where the event was scheduled to take place, was a “limited public forum” that allowed institutional control over its use. This standard legal principle was essentially ignored by Judge Rosenthal, who instead prioritized the promotion of LGBTQ messaging over the university’s right to determine appropriate campus activities.
Judge Rosenthal’s ruling contained clear liberal bias, stating: “Anyone who finds the performance or performers offensive has a simple remedy: don’t go.”
Part of Broader Push Against Conservative Values
The ruling against Texas A&M follows a pattern of similar decisions undermining conservative policies across the country. In 2023, Texas passed Senate Bill 12 restricting drag performances, but it was promptly struck down by activist judges as supposedly unconstitutional.
While defenders claim that the performances are merely theater, many conservatives question the appropriateness of sexualized content on campus.
