LA Couple Sues School District After Son's 'Secret Transition'

Lawsuit alleges school district conspired to hide son's gender identity from parents, leading to his suicide

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:56am

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A Los Angeles couple is suing the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), accusing the district of employing a 'secrecy policy' to hide their son Dylan's declaration that he was a female from them. The parents claim the school district's actions drove a wedge between them and their son, and were ultimately responsible for his suicide at age 19.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around parental rights, student privacy, and the role of schools in supporting LGBTQ+ students. It raises questions about the balance between a student's right to privacy and a parent's right to be involved in their child's life, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like gender identity.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Dylan was struggling as a sophomore at Palisades Charter High School in 2019-2020 when he asked school staff to use 'she/her' pronouns and go by the name 'Aria' as he transitioned. Despite the parents' 'proactive' involvement in Dylan's life and an email from the mother voicing concerns, the school district allegedly kept Dylan's trans declaration a secret, providing him with information on LGBTQ+ housing and affirming his transition. The lawsuit claims this destroyed the family's relationship with Dylan, leaving him 'withdrawn, oppositional, and distrustful' before his suicide in 2024.

  • In 2019-2020, Dylan was a sophomore at Palisades Charter High School.
  • In August 2020, Kathleen Mulligan emailed school staff about her concerns.
  • In June 2022, Dylan was listed as 'Aria Parke' in the graduation program.
  • In March 2024, Dylan died by suicide at the age of 19.

The players

Kathleen Mulligan

Dylan's mother, who is suing the school district along with her husband.

Andrew Parke

Dylan's father, who is suing the school district along with his wife.

Dylan Parke

The couple's son, who died by suicide at age 19 after the school district allegedly hid his gender identity from his parents.

Alberto Carvalho

The superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

The school district being sued by the Parke family.

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What they’re saying

“If I thought Dylan was really trans, I would have a different mindset, but I know my son better than anyone, and I know he is struggling, and I want what is best for him. He has so much potential, and I worry about his mental health.”

— Kathleen Mulligan, Dylan's mother (The New York Post)

“In schools, parents must give permission for nearly everything, including receiving medicine, school trips…yet the secrecy policy at issue excluded parents from the incredibly consequential decision to transition their children.”

— Aaron Siri, Attorney for the Parke family (The New York Post)

What’s next

The case is ongoing, and the Supreme Court has recently ruled that California cannot enforce state rules that limit when schools can notify parents if a child comes out as transgender. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is currently considering an appeal on the matter.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the complex and sensitive issues surrounding parental rights, student privacy, and the role of schools in supporting LGBTQ+ students. It underscores the need for clear policies that balance the needs and rights of all parties involved, and the importance of open communication and collaboration between schools, students, and families.