Couple from California files lawsuit against LA schools over ‘secrecy policy’ following their teenager’s suicide

Parents Suing LA School District Over Son’s Suicide

A couple from California claims that the secrecy maintained by a Los Angeles high school led them to be unaware of their only child’s gender identity, ultimately resulting in a rift in their family and their son’s tragic suicide.

Dylan Park, a student at Palisades Charter High School, was facing difficulties fitting in during the 2019-2020 school year. He disclosed to school staff that he wished to identify as “Aria” and use female pronouns.

Kathleen Mulligan and Andrew Park have filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District, alleging that despite their active involvement, the school kept Dylan’s transgender identity hidden, worsening the family’s already strained relationship. In court documents, they expressed that Dylan was diagnosed with depression and was undergoing mental health treatment, which left him vulnerable to external influences.

Despite being aware of Dylan’s situation, school officials seemingly ignored Mulligan’s concerns expressed in an email from August 2020, where she acknowledged her son’s transition.

She reassured staff that she was not transphobic but highlighted that Dylan, described as a “bright and sensitive” teen, was on the autism spectrum and particularly affected by other challenges, such as being cut from the baseball team.

In the lawsuit, Mulligan expressed her worries about Dylan’s vulnerability to social pressures regarding his gender identity. She noted that backing from peers for his disclosures might have contributed to his feelings of acceptance.

Despite her best efforts to engage with the school about her son’s care, the educators did not reply and apparently restricted her involvement in his life, treating his transition as a rigid directive.

School interactions reportedly led to a deepening fracture within the Park family, leaving parents feeling uneasy while Dylan became increasingly withdrawn and distrustful.

The school included Dylan in its graduation program under the name “Aria Park” in June 2022. Tragically, he took his own life in March 2024 at the age of 19.

The parents are pursuing unspecified damages, claiming that the school’s secrecy policy not only strained their relationship but also contributed to Dylan’s death. In their lawsuit, they described their loss as an unimaginable nightmare.

“There will be no more birthdays to celebrate or family gatherings,” they stated, mourning the future milestones they will miss with their son.

Attorney Aaron Siri pointed out the contradiction in the district’s policies, noting how schools require parental consent for various decisions yet exclude them from critical matters regarding their child’s identity.

In 2024, California passed a controversial law preventing schools from disclosing a child’s gender identity without consent. However, a federal judge struck down the law in December.

Los Angeles Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho is currently facing scrutiny over fraud allegations and has been put on paid leave amid ongoing investigations.