Dr. Reny Lizardo, Executive Director of Campus Operations for Irving Independent School District (ISD), has resigned following the release of a covertly recorded video in which he advises an undercover journalist on circumventing state law regarding transgender student-athletes.
The video, recorded in December 2024 by Accuracy in Media, a conservative watchdog group, shows Lizardo speaking to an individual posing as a parent of a transgender girl. In the footage, Lizardo suggests changing the child’s birth certificate to female to bypass the law and states, “It’s not illegal if you don’t get caught.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded to the video on X, formerly Twitter, stating, “This Irving ISD Administrator should be fired on the spot. Both criminal & civil investigations must be taken against both the Administrator & Irving ISD. Has Irving ISD and its employees been involved in a fraudulent breach of state laws & a cover-up? We must get the facts.”
Shortly after Abbott’s post, Lizardo resigned from his position.
In response to the video, Irving ISD issued a statement, emphasizing its compliance with state and federal laws. “In Irving ISD, we are committed to upholding the requirements of state and federal laws, especially as it pertains to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, and we will cooperate with any investigation initiated by relevant authorities.”
The district's statement also addressed the circumstances surrounding the video's recording, claiming it was "obtained under false pretenses by an individual who posed as a concerned parent and additional individuals who posed as family friends of the employee pictured. The individuals also held themselves out as members of the media, but were not credentialed as such, constituting a breach of security."
Irving ISD further asserted that the "footage has been edited and is an incomplete representation of the entire conversation, making it difficult to properly assess its probative value."
Despite these concerns, the district reiterated its commitment to legal and ethical standards, stating that the views expressed in the video do not reflect the views or policies of the district and that individual employees do not speak on behalf of the district. They clarified that Lizardo was "acting outside of his role as it relates to legal and regulatory expertise."
The statement confirmed that all Irving ISD student-athletes participate in sports in accordance with the sex they were assigned at birth. Finally, Irving ISD reiterated its "unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all of our students and staff" and its focus on "educational excellence."
Lizardo’s resignation was accepted immediately upon receipt, according to the district.
