Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton backs the Texas A&M Board of Regents’ decision to ban drag shows, fueling a heated debate over gender expression and the use of taxpayer funds in public universities

Austin, Texas – In a move that has stirred significant controversy and legal action, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is steadfastly defending the Texas A&M Board of Regents’ decision to ban drag shows on all campuses within the college system. The decision, rooted in a broader national debate over gender expression and public funding, has prompted a lawsuit from the Texas A&M Queer Empowerment Council, which argues that the ban infringes on free speech and discriminates against LGBTQ+ expressions.

The Board’s resolution to prohibit drag shows cited recent federal and state directives, including an executive order from former President Trump that restricts federal funds from being used to promote gender ideology, and a letter from Governor Greg Abbott directing state agencies to adhere to this order. The Board expressed concerns that drag shows, particularly those that might feature “sexualized, vulgar or lewd conduct,” do not align with the educational mission and core values of the institution.

Read also: Texas ramps up wildfire preparedness efforts as Texas Governor Greg Abbott directs state emergency resources to combat elevated fire risks across West Texas during the weekend

Attorney General Paxton, in defending the ban, articulated a sharply worded stance on the matter.

“Our colleges and universities exist to help students learn and equip them as they take their next steps in life,” Paxton stated in a press release. “They are not, and never have been, a place for taxpayer-funded drag shows where men pretending to be women engage in obscene, offensive, and degrading behavior.”

Paxton further emphasized the financial aspect of the controversy, asserting that the tax dollars of Texans should not support activities that he described as “vulgar assaults on our values.” His defense portrays the lawsuit against the ban as frivolous and politically motivated, initiated by what he labels as “left-wing radicals.”

Read also: Governor Greg Abbott celebrates Texas’ unprecedented economic expansion, highlighting a record-setting employment rate and business growth that positions the state as the leader in job creation

The legal challenge brought by the Texas A&M Queer Empowerment Council seeks to overturn the ban, arguing that it violates constitutional rights to free expression and equal protection under the law. The group contends that drag shows are a form of artistic and cultural expression that celebrates diversity and challenges traditional gender norms, rather than the derogatory portrayal suggested by opponents of the events.

As the legal battle unfolds, the issue continues to evoke strong responses from various stakeholders within and beyond the Texas A&M community. Students, faculty, and alumni have expressed a range of opinions, with some supporting the Board’s decision as a protective measure for educational values, while others see it as a harmful suppression of minority rights and expression.

Read also: Texas Gov. Abbott’s Operation Lone Star achieves a key milestone with the interception of six million dollars’ worth of cocaine, highlighting the collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies

This case not only highlights the ongoing cultural and political clashes over LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression in educational settings but also sets a significant precedent for how public universities across the nation might navigate similar conflicts in the future. As both sides prepare for prolonged legal proceedings, the broader implications for national educational policies and the allocation of public funds remain a focal point of this heated debate.