Full Breakdown
Washington Father Sues Lake Washington School District Over LGBTQ-Related Instruction
9/9/2026, 4:52:01 PM
Lawsuit Over LGBTQ Instruction Filed in Federal Court
Konstantin Averkiev, a Christian parent from Washington, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Lake Washington School District. The complaint, filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), alleges that the district violated Averkiev’s First-Amendment and Fourteenth-Amendment rights by refusing to give advance notice of, and to allow an opt-out from, LGBTQ-related lessons and related school requirements that conflict with his religious beliefs. The suit centers on a June Pride Month presentation taught to fourth- and fifth-grade students that described same-sex attraction, transgender identity, the Stonewall uprising of June 28, 1969, and, according to the complaint, included a classroom discussion of gender-change surgery.
Background of the Opt-Out Request
In September 2025, Averkiev met with his son’s fourth-grade teacher at Henry David Thoreau Elementary School and asked that the school provide advance notice of any LGBTQ-related curriculum and allow his child to be excused from such instruction. When Averkiev’s son entered fifth grade, the district granted opt-outs only for the sex-education curriculum and health surveys—requirements already mandated by Washington state law—while denying broader requests that would have excluded LGBTQ instruction, individual counseling sessions, and the use of pronouns contrary to the family’s religious teachings.
Official Statements & Responses
The Lake Washington School District declined to comment on the lawsuit but stated that it complies with all applicable federal and state laws and follows guidance from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Verbatim Quote
“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.” — Konstantin Averkiev
What’s Next
The case is now pending in federal court, where the district will have an opportunity to respond to the constitutional claims raised by Averkiev and ADF.
