On Friday, the Supreme Court declined to entertain an emergency appeal from Spectrum WT, a student group at West Texas A&M University, seeking permission to hold a drag show on campus.
The event, slated for March 22, was intended as a charity fundraiser and was to be organized by Spectrum WT, a group advocating for LGBTQ+ students and allies.
The justices did not provide any commentary as they rejected the appeal, which aimed to overturn the university’s decision to block the drag show.
West Texas A&M University, located in Canyon near Amarillo, had previously faced criticism for its prohibition of drag performances on campus.
US Supreme Court (Credits: NBC News)
This legal battle unfolded against a backdrop of similar disputes across the United States. Drag shows, along with events like drag story hours, have become flashpoints for controversy, drawing the ire of right-wing activists and politicians. Attempts to restrict or ban such events have led to legal challenges in various states.
The conflict at West Texas A&M University emerged when the school’s president, Walter Wendrell, issued a letter and column expressing his opposition to drag performances on campus.
Supreme Court Judges (Credits: The Washington Post)
In his communication, Wendrell cited religious beliefs and argued that drag shows promote discrimination against women. He characterized the performances as “derisive, divisive, and demoralizing misogyny,” regardless of their stated purpose.
Wendrell’s stance led to the cancellation of a drag show scheduled for the previous year, sparking outrage and prompting Spectrum WT to pursue legal recourse.
Despite the student group’s efforts to challenge the university’s decision, the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene means that the ban on drag shows at West Texas A&M University remains in place for the time being.
