By: Natasha Archary
St Stithians College will be welcoming its first transgender student to the school in its second term on 4 May.
The news has been met with mixed reactions due to the all Girls’ College’s methodist focus.
In a letter to parents and pupils at the school, College Head, Dr Sally James affirmed the schools’ stance around diversity, equity and inclusion with a specific focus on LGBTQIA+ matters.
A survey conducted by the school towards the end of last year via the Parent Diversity and Transformation Support Group, presented strong sentiments towards LGBTQIA+ matters and a sense of belonging.
“The survey revealed that our parents and students hold quite different perspectives, attitudes and values regarding LGBTQIA+ inclusion. With this in mind, we acknowledge that there is much to be done, especially as adults who are often more resistant and less comfortable speaking about this topic than our adolescents,” the school explained in a letter.
The transgender student has received the school’s support over a number of months in order to prepare for her enrolment. To date St Stithians College has had a number of workshops and seminars to ensure staff is equipped with knowledge, understanding and compassion.
However, some parents feel that the school has chosen “wokeness” with no consultation from parents who pay fees.
“They will put (and encourage) a biological male into female sport against girls in other schools. They are GROOMING students towards a Marxian Political Consciousness. This is shameful abuse of adult authority over children. This is child abuse by the school.”
One of the responses on Twitter about St Stithians College welcoming its first transgender student
“We respect individual opinion; however, we request that as a community you too respect and buy into our ethos of One and All. We are uncompromising on this. Individuals’ right to live a life of dignity and safety is not a matter of opinion.”
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