The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Ana Mota, argues that removing her from the role because she is female violated Title IX, the 1972 federal law barring sex discrimination in education programs that receive federal funding. It says the district’s theater program is covered by the law and that Mota was left without an equivalent educational opportunity.

The complaint challenges the district’s interpretation of Texas Senate Bill 12, a 2025 law that restricts certain diversity, equity and inclusion activities and programming involving sexual orientation or gender identity in public schools. The suit argues that SB 12 does not expressly forbid students from portraying characters of another sex and cannot justify excluding Mota from the role. It invokes the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which establishes federal law’s priority when it conflicts with state law.

The lawsuit asks a judge to order the district and parties working with it to restore the production, return Mota to the role and prevent her replacement because she is female. Grand Prairie ISD had not responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

Mota has said she was confused by the decision. She noted that cross-gender casting has a history in theater and said high school productions may have few boys auditioning, leaving a largely female cast to fill available roles.

SB 12 is already being challenged in a separate federal case. A judge temporarily blocked four provisions of the law from being enforced in Houston, Katy and Plano ISDs; that order does not apply to Grand Prairie ISD. The outcome of Mota’s case could clarify how schools may apply the state law to student theater and whether such casting restrictions violate federal protections.