School reacts to video of official telling parents to alter trans kid’s birth certificate to play girls sports

A recent incident involving a Texas school district administrator has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls’ sports. The Irving Independent School District in Irving, Texas, has come under scrutiny after footage surfaced of Reny Lizardo, the executive director of campus operations, advising an undercover journalist posing as a parent to change a transgender child’s birth certificate in order to compete in girls’ sports.

The district has released a statement addressing the situation, confirming Lizardo’s resignation from his position. They emphasized their commitment to upholding state and federal laws to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The district also clarified that the unauthorized video footage circulating on social media was obtained under false pretenses and edited, making it difficult to assess its accuracy.

In the video, Lizardo is heard suggesting that changing the gender on a child’s birth certificate is not illegal if one doesn’t get caught, and that the district would recognize the gender listed on the birth certificate. He also discussed the possibility of pleading plausible deniability in case of any repercussions. The district has stated that Lizardo’s actions do not align with their values and protocols.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for Lizardo to be fired and investigated, expressing concerns about potential fraudulent activity and a cover-up. Texas is one of 25 states with laws restricting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. The Save Women’s Sports Act, passed in June 2023, only allows students to compete in the gender category listed on their birth certificate, with exceptions for clerical errors.

The district’s statement reiterated that all Irving ISD student-athletes participate in sports according to the gender assigned at birth. They emphasized their commitment to the safety and well-being of students and staff, focusing on educational excellence and student potential. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and Lizardo has resigned from his position.

This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports and the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards. As the situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in ensuring inclusivity and fairness in athletic competition.