Controversy Erupts Over Canceled Drag Show at Texas University

The president of West Texas A&M University canceled a student drag show, comparing drag to blackface and calling it "derisive, divisive and demoralizing misogyny." Students and advocacy organizations have criticized the decision as a violation of students' First Amendment rights and a denigration of LGBTQ+ culture. Texas Republicans have filed bills targeting drag shows this legislative session. Student organizations have pledged to continue their protests and put on the show as planned, with businesses in Amarillo offering to host the event if the university does not permit it.