Judge Blocks Texas A&M Drag Show Ban

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Texas A&M University System's ban on drag shows, allowing the student-run 'Draggieland' event to proceed as scheduled. Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ruled that the ban likely violated the First Amendment, citing unconstitutional prior restraint and viewpoint discrimination, as it was based on subjective judgments about drag performances being demeaning to women. The ruling responded to a lawsuit filed by the Queer Empowerment Council, arguing that the ban infringed on free speech rights. Texas A&M's Board of Regents had previously cited executive orders from President Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott to justify the ban, claiming drag shows were inconsistent with university values and could create a hostile environment for women. The university system is currently evaluating its next steps, while the Queer Empowerment Council and associated advocates celebrate the decision as a significant victory for free speech on public university campuses.