Providence Secondary School in St George is being accused of discrimination against a 14-year-old student who was born as a boy but identifies as a girl.
Upset by the stance of the board of management of the private school, which began its new school year yesterday, the mother of the student has launched an online petition to raise national awareness to the matter and encourage members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) community to stand up for their rights.
It has so far gernered more than 200 signatures, with the aim of reaching 500. And though she plans to move the child to a new school in the next few days where the child would be able to wear a uniform for a female, the mother has vowed to carry on the fight.
“My daughter was forced to wear a male uniform for the entire duration of the last school year,” the Canadian mother of two, who asked not to be identified to protect the identity of her child, told the NATION.
“On top of that, she was constantly referred to as a boy by some of the local teachers and she felt singled out and embarrassed.”
She added they had had discussions with the previous leadership of the school, which has a roll of 80. (SB)
Subscribe now to our eNATION edition.
For the latest stories and breaking news updates download the Nationnews apps for iOS and Android.
