Transgender controversy in Texas women’s sports: Two ISDs under investigation by Attorney General

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has expanded his investigation into both Hutto ISD and Richardson ISD school districts to evaluate their policies on transgender student participation on girls' sports teams.

The announcement follows previous investigations in districts such as Dallas ISD and Irving ISD, where officials were accused of ‘suggesting ways to allow male students to participate in girls’ sports,’ which would contravene Texas state law.

Paxton has stressed that his office will review documents from the Hutto and Richardson districts to determine whether these suggestions represent a systematic effort to circumvent state law.

Texas law

Texas law states that only female biological athletes may compete in women’s sports, a move the government says is intended to protect the integrity of women’s sports.

Located in the city of Hutto, northeast of Austin, this school district has been singled out by the statements of former Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Keyawna Glaze, who suggested to a parent that she change the sex on her son’s birth certificate so that he could participate in girls' sports.

This recommendation was seen as a possible violation of state law regarding participation in sports based on the biological sex of students.

Richardson, north of Dallas is also under investigation due to comments by Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Angie Lee, who suggested that a male student could room with female students during a school trip and mentioned that the district allowed male students to participate in female sports.

This statement has also raised concerns about compliance with state law regarding participation in sports.

Attorney General Paxton has warned that school officials who attempt to circumvent the law face consequences for their actions.

Paxton has stated that his office will thoroughly review all documents to determine if these comments are part of a broader effort within districts to ignore the law and allow ‘male students’ to participate in girls' sports.

If these actions are confirmed to be systematic, legal action will be taken to ensure compliance with state law, the Prosecutor says.

Trump acts on the matter

Shortly after coming to office, new US President Donald Trump signed an executive order which prevents transgender women from competing in female categories of sports.

The order now enlists the Department of Education to investigate high schools thought to be non-compliant.

The Republican Party advocate that it restores fairness to sports but LGBT advocacy and human rights organisations have described the move as discriminatory.

The order, which goes into effect immediately, largely covers high school, universities and grassroots sports.

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