A Texas high school student has filed a federal lawsuit against her school district after administrators removed her from the lead role in a musical because she is female, citing a state law restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Ana Mota, 17, a senior at South Grand Prairie High School, was selected to portray Seymour, the male protagonist in Little Shop of Horrors, following competitive auditions. However, approximately one week into rehearsals, district administrators ordered her removal from the role.
According to LGBTQ Nation, officials argued that allowing a female student to portray a male character could violate Texas Senate Bill 12, legislation enacted in 2025 that restricts LGBTQ-related instruction, diversity initiatives, and certain school policies involving gender identity.
Administrators offered Mota the opportunity to share the female lead role of Audrey with another student. When she declined, the district canceled the production entirely, replacing it with Frozen.
On October 26, Mota’s parents filed a lawsuit against Grand Prairie Independent School District and Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo, alleging violations of Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funding.
The lawsuit challenges the district’s interpretation of SB 12, arguing that nothing in the legislation prohibits students from portraying fictional characters of another sex.
Importantly, the complaint explicitly states that Mota is not transgender and was not undergoing any gender transition. Her participation involved portraying a fictional character, something that has been commonplace in theatrical productions for centuries.
According to The Texas Tribune, Mota’s parents supported her casting and sought clarification from district officials regarding which provisions of SB 12 supposedly prohibited the performance. The lawsuit alleges administrators failed to provide an explanation.
The district previously defended its decision by referencing the musical’s romantic relationship and themes involving abuse, alongside concerns about compliance with state law. Officials have since declined to comment on the pending litigation.
The case highlights how restrictions originally promoted as protections against LGBTQ-related instruction can affect students who are not transgender.
Cross-gender casting has a long history in theater, including school productions where casting decisions frequently depend on talent and available performers rather than sex.
Mota’s lawsuit seeks to restore the canceled production and allow her to return to the role she earned through auditions.
A federal hearing is scheduled for November 6.
The outcome could help clarify whether Texas school districts can invoke state restrictions on gender-related activities to justify excluding students from theatrical opportunities based on sex.
