The Supreme Court declined an emergency appeal from Spectrum WT, a student group at West Texas A&M University, seeking to stage a drag show on campus. The group, which represents LGBTQ+ students and allies, had planned a charity event for March 22 but was blocked by the university's president, Walter Wendrell.
Wendrell cited concerns about discrimination against women and labeled drag performances as 'derisive, divisive, and demoralizing misogyny.' Spectrum WT argued that drag shows are a celebration of queerness, gender, acceptance, love, and femininity, and are not intended to be offensive.
Despite the group's lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk ruled against allowing the drag show, stating that schools can restrict conduct deemed 'vulgar and lewd' that undermines the educational mission, especially in the presence of children.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans upheld the lower court's decision, refusing to expedite the case or permit the drag show to proceed. Spectrum WT sought intervention from the Supreme Court as the scheduled event approached.
Represented by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Spectrum WT expressed disappointment at the Supreme Court's denial of an emergency injunction but vowed to continue fighting for their First Amendment rights. The case is set for oral arguments before the 5th Circuit next month, signaling ongoing legal battles over the right to host drag shows on college campuses.
