Attorney General Ken Paxton is escalating his investigation into Austin Independent School District after a new complaint alleges the district again allowed a male student to use female-only facilities weeks after being warned to correct the issue.
In a letter sent April 24, the Office of the Attorney General notified Austin ISD that it had received a new complaint tied to an incident on or about April 2 at the district’s Performing Arts Center during a UIL event. The complaint involves the same student referenced in an earlier allegation.
The latest notice comes after Paxton’s office first warned the district in early March that it could be violating Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which prohibits males from using private spaces designated for females in government entities, including public schools.
Austin ISD previously responded by asserting compliance with state law but did not provide requested documentation outlining its policies.
According to the attorney general’s office, the newly reported incident occurred after the statutory 15-day window given to the district to remedy any violations, raising concerns that the issue has not been fully addressed.
State officials also indicated the alleged violation took place at a different district facility, suggesting potential inconsistencies in how Austin ISD is enforcing the law across campuses.
In the latest letter, the attorney general’s office is demanding records from the district, including internal policies, complaints related to alleged violations, and documentation of how school officials have handled the situation.
“It is appalling that woke Austin ISD officials won’t do what is required by law to protect girls’ privacy and safety from males invading their spaces,” Paxton said in a statement. “I will continue to hold Austin ISD accountable and ensure that any violations of the Texas Women’s Privacy Act are fully investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent.”
Paxton first launched the investigation after a citizen complaint alleged that a biological male student had been allowed to use girls’ restrooms and locker rooms inside Austin ISD schools.
Under state law, the attorney general must provide notice and an opportunity to cure before filing suit. Violations can carry a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per day.
The attorney general’s office has also encouraged Texans to report suspected violations through a statewide tip line.
Austin ISD did not respond to a request for comment as of publication.
