A father in Washington state has filed a federal lawsuit against the Lake Washington School District, alleging that his 10-year-old son was taught about gender reassignment surgery during a Pride Month lesson without his prior consent, despite his request for an opt-out for LGBTQ-related instruction.
The lawsuit, filed by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) on behalf of parent Konstantin Averkiev, claims that school officials violated Averkiev's First and 14th Amendment rights. Averkiev had previously met with his son's fourth-grade teacher at Henry David Thoreau Elementary School in September 2025 to request advance notice and an opt-out for any lessons concerning LGBTQ topics, gender identity, or gender transition.
According to the complaint, the teacher initially agreed to the request. However, Averkiev later learned that his son had participated in a June Pride Month lesson that reportedly included a classroom discussion of gender-change surgery. Messages cited in the lawsuit indicate the teacher recalled Averkiev's request and stated they should have provided the lessons in advance.
As his son prepared to enter fifth grade, Averkiev, with the assistance of ADF attorneys, submitted broader opt-out requests. These requests sought to excuse his son from LGBTQ-related instruction and school requirements, including individual counseling sessions and the use of pronouns that conflicted with his religious beliefs. The lawsuit states that the district rejected nearly all of these requests, granting opt-outs only for sex-education curriculum and health surveys, which are already mandated by Washington state law.
ADF argues that Averkiev's First Amendment rights are protected and extend to any school lesson or requirement that could undermine the religious beliefs and practices he aims to instill in his son. Kate Anderson, ADF senior counsel and director of the ADF Center for Parental Rights, stated that parents have a fundamental right to direct their children's religious upbringing and education, even within public schools.
"Our Constitution forbids schools from indoctrinating children with the government’s views on sexuality and gender — hotly debated and sensitive topics — that substantially undermine their religious upbringing," Anderson said in a statement. Averkiev echoed this sentiment, stating, "As a parent, I have a right to decide what my son learns about sex and gender at school. He’s ten years old. I don’t want him to learn about gender-change surgery and using false pronouns."
The Pride Month presentation, reportedly taught to fourth and fifth-grade students, covered topics such as same-sex attraction, transgender identity, and the Stonewall uprising. The lawsuit alleges that the classroom discussion extended beyond the provided materials, with Averkiev's son reporting that gender-change surgery was discussed.
The Lake Washington School District declined to comment on the lawsuit when reached by Fox News Digital. The district stated that it adheres to all applicable federal and state laws and guidance from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.