Drag shows banned at Texas universities after anti-DEI order

On Friday 28 February, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, which oversees 11 universities across the US state, passed a resolution banning drag shows from all its facilities that are open to the public and “involve sexualised, vulgar or lewd conduct”, writes James Bickerton for Newsweek.

It concluded these “are likely to create or contribute to a hostile environment for women”, contrary to anti-discrimination legislation. Newsweek contacted the Texas A&M University System for comment on Saturday outside of regular office hours.

Over the past few years, drag performances have attracted the ire of some conservatives, who argue they are demeaning to women and promote transgenderism. In 2023, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and policies in higher education institutions across the state. Since Donald Trump’s second inauguration on 20 January, the backlash against the transgender movement has gone national, with the president signing an executive order banning most transgender people from the military, though this is facing legal challenge. Trump also approved an executive order instructing federal agencies to terminate any “equity-related” contracts or grants.
Full report on the Newsweek site