Texas AG Demands Austin ISD Stop Allowing Male in Female Restroom

Attorney General launches investigation into Austin High School over alleged violation of state privacy law

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has officially launched an investigation into Austin High School for allowing a male student to use the female restroom, which the AG claims violates the state's Texas Women's Privacy Act. Paxton has warned Austin ISD that they must comply with the law or face penalties.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over transgender student rights and bathroom access in schools, with conservative groups pushing for laws that restrict access to bathrooms based on biological sex. The investigation could set a precedent for how the state enforces its privacy law and impacts transgender students' ability to use facilities matching their gender identity.

The details

According to the report, a parent in the Austin Independent School District filed an official complaint with the Attorney General's office after Austin High School allowed a male student to use the female restroom for months, despite the parent's objections. AG Paxton has now issued an official notice to Austin High and the broader Austin ISD, warning them that they must follow the state's Texas Women's Privacy Act or face penalties.

  • The complaint was filed by an Austin ISD parent in early 2026.
  • AG Paxton launched the investigation and issued the warning notice on March 6, 2026.

The players

Ken Paxton

The Attorney General of Texas who has launched an investigation into Austin High School over the bathroom access issue.

Mary Elizabeth Castle

The Director of Government Relations for the conservative organization Texas Values, which assisted the Austin ISD parent in filing the complaint.

Austin High School

The high school in the Austin Independent School District that allegedly allowed a male student to use the female restroom, prompting the state investigation.

Austin Independent School District

The school district that oversees Austin High School and has been warned by the Texas AG to comply with the state's privacy law.

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What they’re saying

“Girls should feel safe in their restrooms and locker rooms at school and Austin ISD is no exception to the law.”

— Mary Elizabeth Castle, Director of Government Relations, Texas Values (txvalues.org)

“I am pleased that the Texas Attorney General is continuing the investigation of the Austin parent's complaint and that he is coming out strong with a warning shot that Austin High School must comply with the state law.”

— Mary Elizabeth Castle, Director of Government Relations, Texas Values (txvalues.org)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will decide whether to allow the male student to continue using the female restroom at Austin High School while the investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions over transgender student rights and bathroom access in schools, with conservative groups pushing for laws that restrict access based on biological sex. The outcome of the Texas AG's investigation could set an important precedent for how the state enforces its privacy law and impacts the ability of transgender students to use facilities matching their gender identity.