Texas Attorney General Investigates Alleged Loophole in State Law
Dallas, TX – April 1, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is pressing for Dallas Independent School District (DISD) officials to testify under oath regarding their policy on transgender student-athletes. This move comes after an undercover video allegedly revealed a loophole in the state’s ban on transgender athletes competing based on gender identity.
Background of the Investigation
Paxton’s office initially launched an investigation earlier this year after reports surfaced that Dallas ISD administrators suggested parents could legally alter their child’s birth certificate in another state to bypass Texas’ 2021 law prohibiting transgender students from competing in sports matching their gender identity.
The investigation gained momentum after Accuracy in Media, a Washington-based nonprofit, released a secretly recorded video of DISD’s LGBT Youth Program Coordinator, Mahoganie Gaston. In the video, Gaston appears to acknowledge that updating birth certificates in another state could allow transgender students to compete in sports aligned with their gender identity.
Paxton’s Legal Action
On Monday, Paxton announced his office had filed a legal petition to compel key DISD officials to testify, including:
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Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde
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School board members
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Mahoganie Gaston, LGBT Youth Program Coordinator
Paxton called the alleged policy “a systematic effort to circumvent Texas law” and vowed that those involved would be held accountable.
Dallas ISD Responds
In an official statement, Dallas ISD denied any wrongdoing and said it is fully cooperating with the attorney general’s office.
“We are providing the necessary information to confirm that Dallas ISD remains in compliance with both state and federal laws,” the district stated.
Statewide Impact & Political Reaction
Dallas ISD is not the only district under scrutiny. Irving ISD faced a similar inquiry after a separate undercover video surfaced in February, prompting an investigation and the resignation of a district administrator.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also weighed in on the controversy, posting on X (formerly Twitter) in support of the investigation.
What’s Next?
With depositions now requested, Paxton’s office is expected to push forward with legal proceedings against Dallas ISD officials. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how Texas enforces its transgender sports ban moving forward.