This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact The Epoch Times Reprints.

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Social Issues

California Teacher Sues After Being Fired for Not Reading LGBT-Themed Books to Toddlers

Google LogoMark Us Preferred on Google
California Teacher Sues After Being Fired for Not Reading LGBT-Themed Books to Toddlers
LGBT books are displayed in the library at Nystrom Elementary School on May 17, 2022 in Richmond, California. Thousands of LGBT books donated by Gender Nation were distributed to 234 elementary schools in nine California districts. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Juliette Fairley
Juliette Fairley
Freelance reporter
10/19/2022|Updated: 10/21/2022
0:00

Out of the 12 books available to Nelli Parisenkova while she was employed at the nation’s largest chain of childcare centers in Studio City, California, five promoted LGBT lifestyles, which she avoided due to her Christian religion.

But a new supervisor, Katy Callas, allegedly decided Parisenkova’s refusal to read the books to toddlers was unacceptable and she was terminated.

Google LogoMark Us Preferred on Google
Juliette Fairley
Juliette Fairley
Freelance reporter
Juliette Fairley is a freelance reporter for The Epoch Times and NTD and a graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Born in Chateauroux, France, and raised outside of Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Juliette is a well-adjusted military brat. She has written for many publications across the country. Send Juliette story ideas at [email protected]
Author’s Selected Articles
Adam Hamawy Wins Democratic Primary in Deep Blue New Jersey District
Jun 02, 2026
Adam Hamawy Wins Democratic Primary in Deep Blue New Jersey District
Former Navy Pilot to Challenge Rep. Kean in New Jersey Battleground District
Jun 02, 2026
Former Navy Pilot to Challenge Rep. Kean in New Jersey Battleground District
4 Democrats Aim for GOP Congressman’s New Jersey Seat
May 12, 2026
4 Democrats Aim for GOP Congressman’s New Jersey Seat
Truth Social ETFs Launch at the New York Stock Exchange
Jan 16, 2026
Truth Social ETFs Launch at the New York Stock Exchange
Related Topics
teachers
books
LGBT
AD
Add to My List
Save
The Epoch Times
Copyright © 2000 - 2026 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.