Parents remove their kids from top Christian school after it accepted a trans student
A school recently celebrated welcoming its first ever transgender student to its ranks, but not everyone saw it as cause for jubilation.
The private Glennie School circulated an email to parents at the weekend, which welcomed the new student who would be joining the middle school.
But it was the next part of the email that parents took objection to – the fact that the young girl is transgender.
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The school, which is around a hundred kilometers from Brisbane, was supported by the parents of the girl for its decision to send the email after rumours circulated.
The email described the girl’s trans identity as having been “born into a boy’s body”.
The parents told 7 News: “Our daughter was born in a body that does not match her identity.”
And according to the Glennie School principal, Kim Cohen, they had not known how the reaction would be to the announcement.
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But out of around 80 emails, all but one were positive.
“This is not a new issue for school principals, but it is heartening to see Glennie’s core values of compassion, respect, integrity and courage manifest themselves in such kind words and actions,’ Ms Cohen said.
“In taking this decision we have remained focused on the best interests of the child and the greater school community and the public response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
But the controversy didn’t stop there as hundreds wrote on social media airing their opinions, some negative, ont he decision to allow a trans girl at an all-girls’ school.
One Facebook user wrote: “We had our heart set on Glennie … now seeking alternatives,.”
Another said:”Feel sorry for those parents that wanted an all girl school for their daughter(s).”
And a third added: “Born a boy always a boy.”
The decision to allow the student the first trans young person to be given entry to the private school in its history, has been praised, howwhere; by a the Schools Australasia group.
A spokesperson said that girls’ schools were generally not places wher much discrimination or prejudice is found.
“Many girls’ schools have had transgender students enrolled and each considers very carefully what will be best for the student and the school community,” she said.
RELATED: Trans boy kicked out of private school because of his gender identity
“Girls’ schools have been discussing this issue, sharing best practices and making sure that, in partnership with the student, the family and professionals, they are doing all they can to support the students in their care who might be struggling with trans or gender identity issues to ensure that they feel happy, welcome and accepted at school.”
And other than a few people who complained online, the reaction was generally positive.
School (Getty)
One supportive parent said: “Hats off to Glennie for giving this girl the chance to shine and be all that she can be.”
A second added: “We welcome you to the Glennie community with open arms. It is wonderful news to hear you have joined The Glennie School. WELCOME”.
“What a beautiful story of respect and acceptance,” a third added.
While another Facebook user said: “You don’t feel what this child feels or know what it’s like living in their shoes so pipe down and let them live their life. Good on this principal and school for being accepting.”
