Texas A&M University: University Sponsorship Denied to Student Drag Show Without Explanation

In fall 2021, Texas A&M University administrators informed students that Memorial Center Town Hall, which provides administrative and financial support to student-planned events, would no longer sponsor the student event Draggieland even though it sponsored it in 2020 and 2021 and the event was profitable both years. Administrators provided no explanation for the decision despite concerns that it arose out of criticism from alumni regarding the event’s views on sexuality and gender. On April 22, 2022, FIRE wrote TAMU arguing that refusing to sponsor Draggieland based on its viewpoint would be unconstitutional, and asking both for an explanation for the decision and for a commitment to ensure viewpoint-neutral sponsorship decisions in the future. On May 17, TAMU responded, dismissing FIRE’s concerns.