In a landmark decision announced, the Supreme Court has allowed a Texas university's ban on drag shows to remain, sparking controversy over First Amendment rights. The ruling in Spectrum WT v. Wendler upholds the ban, preventing LGBTQ+ college students from expressing themselves on campus. Spectrum WT had its annual drag show abruptly canceled less than two weeks before the scheduled event. The ban, imposed by university president Walter Wendler, cited drag as "derisive" and "divisive," claiming it perpetuates misogyny. Spectrum WT, the LGBTQ+ student organization, faces restrictions despite its strong First Amendment case. While the decision is temporary, it raises concerns about free speech on public university campuses. The federal appeals court is poised to review the case, with the potential to overturn the ban. Should the ban stand, the plaintiffs may escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. However, this ruling practically prevents the group from hosting its campus show for the second consecutive year. Even if Wendler's argument positing the inherently sexist nature of drags were accurate, the First Amendment still shields such speech. As a matter of fact, it safeguards most offensive, objectionable, or even hateful speech, as demonstrated in the Supreme Court's 2011 ruling permitting members of an infamous anti-gay church to protest at a fallen Marine's funeral with provocative signs. Stay tuned with Queer News Tonight as this contentious issue continues to unfold. #Queer Up Courts