The Attorney General sent letters to both districts.
Credit AP
TEXAS, USA — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his office has requested an “extensive list of documents” from both Dallas ISD and Irving ISD to ensure that the districts are complying with state laws prohibiting boys from competing in girls’ sports.
In a press release, Paxton explained that letters were sent to the superintendents of both districts after his office became aware of reports suggesting district officials had made alarming recommendations to parents that could indicate an unspoken policy of not enforcing Texas state laws protecting women’s athletics.
This request follows a series of videos published by the conservative activist group, Accuracy in Media, which filmed Dallas and Irving ISD administrators without their knowledge.
According to Paxton’s release, a Dallas ISD administrator was recorded saying a male student could participate in girls’ sports if his parents altered the student’s birth certificate to list “female.” The administrator also allegedly stated that the district “finds the loopholes in everything” and expressed a willingness to defy Texas law, even if it meant facing legal consequences.
In a similar incident, an Irving ISD administrator was filmed making comments suggesting a male student could play in women’s sports if the student’s birth certificate was changed to reflect “female.” Following the video’s release, Governor Abbott called for an investigation into Irving ISD. The administrator involved later resigned after Abbott called for his dismissal, as reported by WFAA. Irving ISD responded by disputing the video’s representation, claiming it did not reflect the full context of the conversation.
Irving ISD issued a statement claiming the videos were obtained under false pretenses, with the person filming posing as a concerned parent. The district reiterated its commitment to complying with all state and federal laws, including HB 25, and stated that the views expressed in the video did not align with district policies.
WFAA reached out to both districts for comment on Paxton’s request for documents.
On Thursday, Irving ISD released the following statement:
“As stated in previous correspondence, Irving ISD is committed to upholding the requirements of state and federal laws, including HB 25, especially as it pertains to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We will comply with any request for documentation initiated by relevant authorities.
We want to reiterate that the subject matter in the inquiry from the Texas Office of the Attorney General has not been at issue for the district to this point. We can confirm that all Irving ISD student-athletes are participating in their sport in accordance with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Individual employees do not speak on behalf of the district. The individual identified in the video, captured under false pretenses, was acting outside of his role and did not have the authority to circumvent state law. While the matter continues to be investigated, the individual identified in the video resigned, and his resignation was accepted according to district policy.
Irving ISD is unwavering in our commitment to the safety and well-being of all of our students and staff, focusing on maintaining educational excellence and supporting the full potential of our students.”
Dallas ISD also issued a statement on Thursday:
“Dallas ISD will continue to support and uphold all laws as required by the state, including HB 25. We remain committed to serving a diverse population and fulfilling our mission to educate all students for success.”
Attorney General Paxton expressed his outrage, stating, “The idea of school district officials turning their backs on female students and sacrificing the integrity of women’s athletics to advance the radical transgender agenda is disgusting, but that seems to be exactly what occurred here. Any systematic effort by a school district to sidestep state law and allow biological boys to play in girls’ sports in Texas will be rooted out, and my office will explore all avenues to hold those responsible to account.”