Amarillo, Texas, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Students at West Texas A&M University have won a legal victory as the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily lifted the ban on drag shows at the institution. The court ruled that the ban infringes on First Amendment rights. This decision arises from the university’s prior cancellation of a charity drag show organized by Spectrum WT, raising significant discussions about free speech and inclusivity in academia. The ruling has been hailed as a crucial step in affirming expressive rights for students amid rising legal disputes over drag performances nationwide.
Amarillo, Texas – Texas A&M University Students Win Appeals Court Ruling Allowing Drag Show Amid Free Speech Concerns
Students at West Texas A&M University have achieved a significant legal victory when the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked the university’s ban on drag shows, asserting the rights protected under the First Amendment. This ruling, made on August 18, 2025, reversed a previous district court’s decision that denied a request for a preliminary injunction against the ban.
The legal battle began when Spectrum WT, a student-led LGBTQ+ organization, planned a charity drag show for March 2023 to support The Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth. Days before the show, University President Walter Wendler canceled the event, claiming that a “harmless drag show” was not feasible. Wendler argued that drag performances perpetuate harmful stereotypes, drawing controversial comparisons to blackface performances.
A federal judge’s recent ruling determined that the plaintiffs demonstrated a substantial threat of irreparable harm regarding their First Amendment rights unless the injunction was granted. The court found that the university failed to supply a compelling reason for the drag show’s ban, reinforcing that drag performances are forms of protected speech.
Despite the ruling in favor of the students, Judge James C. Ho dissented, arguing that drag shows contradict the university’s mission to foster a welcoming educational environment. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) filed the lawsuit on behalf of Spectrum WT. Following the previous ruling by the district court in September 2023 that denied the preliminary injunction, this appeals court decision has been celebrated by FIRE as a substantial affirmation of free speech rights at the university.
A spokesperson for West Texas A&M University mentioned that the institution does not comment on active litigation related to this case. It is notable that the university had previously permitted various events within Legacy Hall, the requested venue for the drag show, including religious gatherings and candidate forums, which raises further questions regarding the timing and reasoning behind the drag show ban.
This incident mirrors a growing trend of legal disputes surrounding drag performances across multiple states in the U.S. In another case, a federal judge in Houston previously allowed a separate student group at Texas A&M’s main campus to hold a charity drag show despite a similar ban.
The context surrounding this ruling emphasizes the ongoing national discussions regarding freedom of expression and inclusivity in educational settings. As more institutions navigate the complexities of these issues, the outcome of this case may have ripple effects on similar legal matters nationwide.
FAQ Section
What was the reason for the drag show ban at West Texas A&M University?
The university’s President Walter Wendler canceled the event, arguing that drag shows are inherently discriminatory and likening them to blackface performances.
What did Spectrum WT aim to achieve with the drag show?
Spectrum WT planned the drag show as a charity event to raise funds for The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.
What was the outcome of the appeals court ruling?
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked the ban, affirming that drag performances are a form of protected expression under the First Amendment.
How did the university previously handle similar events?
West Texas A&M had previously hosted various events in the same venue requested for the drag show, including religious events and candidate forums.
What does this ruling mean for free speech at the university?
The ruling has been seen as a victory for free speech and may set a precedent for similar cases in other educational institutions facing bans on expressive activities.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | Charity drag show planned by Spectrum WT |
| Legal Battle | 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against university’s ban |
| First Amendment Rights | Affirmed as vital to the legality of the event |
| University’s Action | Cancellation of drag show by the university’s President |
| Comparative Cases | Similar legal disputes regarding drag shows in other states |
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Additional Resources
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: First Amendment to the United States Constitution
- Reason
- Google Search: drag shows First Amendment
- ABC7 Amarillo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Freedom of Speech
- The Hill
- Google News: West Texas A&M drag show
- Courthouse News
- Google Scholar: drag performances freedom of speech
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