Austin ISD, Violation of Texas Womens Privacy Act, TX, 2023

Austin Independent School District (ISD) is under investigation by Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office for repeatedly allowing men to enter women’s restrooms and locker rooms, in direct violation of the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, also known as Senate Bill 8.

The complaint, filed by a concerned citizen, alleges that both Austin ISD and Austin High have been aware of a biological male using girls’ restrooms and locker rooms, yet have failed to take action to stop it. This is a clear violation of S.B. 8, which bars any state agency or local government political subdivision from allowing men to invade women’s private spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms.

As a result, Attorney General Paxton’s office has sent a notice to Austin ISD, advising them that they will face a $5,000 penalty per day if the violation continues. The notice is a statutory prerequisite for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to file a lawsuit, and Austin ISD has 15 days to cure the violations of the law.

Attorney General Paxton has made it clear that he will not tolerate this kind of blatant disregard for the law. "I will work tirelessly to hold Austin ISD accountable if it does not stop its unlawful, woke policy of allowing men to invade women’s spaces," he said. "The law is clear that political subdivisions in Texas must not allow biological men to use girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms, yet Austin ISD has intentionally chosen to do that in violation of S.B. 8.

Austin ISD’s actions have put female students at risk, and it is the responsibility of the school district to ensure that all students feel safe and protected. By allowing men to enter women’s restrooms and locker rooms, Austin ISD is creating a hostile environment for girls and women, and undermining the very purpose of S.B. 8.

The investigation into Austin ISD is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what actions the school district will take to cure the violations of the law. One thing is certain, however: Attorney General Paxton will continue to fight for the rights of Texas women and girls, and will not hesitate to take legal action against any entity that violates the Texas Women’s Privacy Act.