Devout Catholic parents in Massachusetts are seeking custody of their 17-year-old daughter, Sophie, alleging that her school influenced her to transition genders without their knowledge, ultimately leading to the teen being removed from their care. Joseph and Arlene Kutzko have not had contact with their daughter since 2024.
The parents claim that administrators and counselors at Algonquin Regional High School and the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough introduced Sophie to LGBTQ+ teachings that conflicted with their Catholic beliefs. According to Joseph Kutzko, Sophie became withdrawn in late 2024 when she was 15. She began attending after-school counseling sessions, which the parents were reportedly told were for math help.
Their lawyer, Vernadette Broyles of the Child and Parental Rights Campaign, stated that the school participated in a "secret transitioning" process after Sophie began to reject her sex. Broyles asserts that school staff used male and non-binary pronouns and a male name for Sophie during these sessions, all while keeping the parents unaware.
The Kutzko parents learned of the situation only after the Department of Children and Families (DCF) intervened and removed Sophie from their home. They are now fighting in court to prevent Sophie from receiving high-dose testosterone, which they argue requires parental consent or court permission and is not considered ordinary medical care.
DCF has accused Joseph and Arlene Kutzko of abuse and neglect. Joseph Kutzko was previously arrested, but his lawyer stated that the physical abuse allegations were untrue and unsupported. The neglect charge, according to Broyles, remains unclear and is believed to stem from the parents' refusal to acknowledge Sophie's transition.
Arlene Kutzko expressed deep emotional distress, stating, "I even begged them just to hug her or kiss her. They said they can't; they will not allow it." Joseph Kutzko echoed these sentiments, pleading, "Please, do not give our daughter testosterone." The current whereabouts of Sophie remain unknown.
The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough has strongly denied the Kutzko's claims. Superintendent Gregory L. Martineau called the allegations "baseless," "grossly insensitive, intrusive and dangerous," and stated that they have "absolutely no basis in reality" according to mandatory reporting guidelines for school employees. The district acknowledged being aware of claims circulating from individuals whose child formerly attended one of their schools in 2023.