Parents File Lawsuit Against Los Angeles School Following Son's Tragic Suicide
The parents of a transgender student who died by suicide in March 2024 are taking legal action against a Los Angeles high school, alleging that staff deliberately concealed their son's gender identity from them. Kathleen Mulligan and Andrew Parke claim this secrecy severely damaged their relationship with their son, Dylan Parke, and contributed to his tragic death at age 19.
The Allegations of Concealment and Social Transition
According to court documents reviewed by the Daily Mail, Dylan Parke informed staff at Palisades Charter High School during the 2019-2020 academic year that he identified as transgender and wished to be called Aria. The school permitted him to socially transition on campus, even featuring him as Aria in the yearbook. However, his parents assert they were never notified about this significant development.
The lawsuit states that Dylan, who struggled with depression and was autistic, specifically requested that school counselor Elva Pouya not involve his parents when discussing his gender identity in May 2020. Pouya reportedly praised his "courage and honesty" and connected him with Joe Ringlehan, who ran a student transgender club at the school. Ringlehan allegedly told Dylan he did not need parental permission to change his name at school.
Parental Concerns and School Policy
In August 2020, Kathleen Mulligan emailed counselor Pouya expressing deep concerns about her son's wellbeing and awareness of his social transition desires. She described Dylan as "particularly vulnerable to social contagion related to gender identity" and worried about his mental health. The lawsuit claims this email went unanswered.
The school's 2019 policy allowed staff to determine whether to inform parents about a student's gender identity, advising consultation with the student to assess parental awareness and support. The parents argue this "Secrecy Policy" was unconstitutional and lacked proper safeguards, leading to harmful outcomes.
"As school personnel increasingly engaged Dylan in transition-related discussions and interventions without Plaintiffs' knowledge, Dylan became withdrawn, oppositional, and distrustful of his parents," the legal filing states. "He resisted their guidance, questioned their motives, and distanced himself emotionally and socially from the family."
Broader Context and Legal Implications
The case emerges amid ongoing national debates about parental notification policies regarding students' gender identities. In 2024, California passed legislation permitting schools to withhold such information without student consent, though a federal judge struck it down in December.
The parents maintain they had a close relationship with Dylan before the school's alleged secret involvement. They claim the school's actions eroded their fundamental parental rights and created family tension that left them "walking on eggshells." The lawsuit also alleges the school facilitated Dylan's access to third-party resources like LGBT+ youth housing without parental knowledge.
Los Angeles Unified School District declined to comment on pending litigation. The Daily Mail has sought responses from the Parke family, Pouya, and Ringlehan.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 988.
