Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A parent has filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office alleging that the Austin Independent School District has violated the state’s new bathroom bill by allowing a male student to use the female restrooms at Austin High School. The complaint claims the district failed to resolve the issue despite the parent’s multiple notifications to school officials.

Why it matters

Texas’ bathroom bill, known as the ‘Women’s Privacy Act,’ is part of a broader nationwide push for legislation restricting transgender people’s access to public restrooms. The law has faced criticism from LGBTQ advocates who say it negatively impacts transgender students’ education and can lead to increased harassment.

The details

The complaint alleges the parent notified Austin High officials about the issue on January 15, February 3, and February 10, but the district did not resolve the situation. The school initially told the parent its legal department was discussing the matter, but the parent did not receive any follow-up communication. Austin ISD says it is ‘working with the campus to uncover the facts of the allegation.’

The Texas Women’s Privacy Act, or ‘bathroom bill,’ was passed by the state legislature in August 2026.The law went into effect on December 4, 2026.The parent filed the complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office on February 18, 2026.
The players

Austin Independent School District

The public school district serving the city of Austin, Texas.

Texas Values

A conservative Christian advocacy organization that publicized the complaint against Austin ISD.

Mayes Middleton

The Republican state senator who authored the Texas bathroom bill.

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What they’re saying

“The issue remained unresolved and my daughter told me that the male student continued to use the female restroom.”

— Unnamed parent

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Texas Attorney General’s Office will review the complaint and determine if Austin ISD violated the state’s bathroom bill. If found in violation, the district could face fines of up to $125,000.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over transgender rights and bathroom access, with conservative groups pushing for legislation to restrict access while LGBTQ advocates argue such laws are discriminatory and harmful. The outcome could set a precedent for how the Texas bathroom bill is enforced in public schools.