In wake of 'kid friendly' SDSU drag show, Board of Regents bans minors from campus events
Dec. 21—PIERRE — In response to a controversial drag show that was held on South Dakota State University's campus and was advertised as "kid friendly," the South Dakota Board of Regents is creating a new policy aimed to provide "safe and welcoming places" for students and visitors.
The board met Wednesday, Dec. 21 and implemented a moratorium on minors attending events hosted by student organizations on the state's university campuses for now, according to a news release from the Board of Regents.
"We want our campuses to be safe and welcoming places for students, staff, and visitors of all ages," said Board of Regents President Pam Roberts. "To provide our universities and campus organizations with guidance on events where minors are invited, we have directed staff to expedite the formation of a Minors on Campus policy."
While Roberts explained the new policy will respect the First Amendment, she expressed her distaste for the drag show's encouragement of kids participating.
"We respect the First Amendment, but none of us are happy about children being encouraged to participate in this event on a university campus," Roberts said. "I have asked our presidents to place a moratorium on minors attending events sponsored by student organizations on campus, for now. In addition, I have instructed our staff to work with the administration and legislative leaders on legislation to clarify the law in this area."
In the fall, SDSU's Gender and Sexualities Alliance student organization sponsored a drag show on the Brookings campus. It was advertised as "kid friendly," which sparked backlash among some South Dakota lawmakers and other elected officials.
SDSU President Barry Dunn emphasized the university did not sponsor the drag show amid the criticism of the event.
According to the Board of Regents, the new policy will outline requirements and protocols for all events on the state's college campuses involving minors, while ensuring "all laws are observed."
While the policy is being put together, the Board of Regents' office says it will review all upcoming events involving the presence of minors on campus to confirm adequate protocol and safeguards are met.
The board is calling on state lawmakers to pursue legislation to clarify the law on campus events involving minors.
