A Church of England primary school in southern England is embroiled in controversy after allowing a four-year-old boy to enroll as a girl, without revealing his biological sex to classmates. The situation griped into turmoil three years later when the truth surfaced, traumatising some of the child’s young peers.
The initial dispute arose when the boy, who had been socially transitioning as a girl, revealed his biological sex to fellow pupils in the girl’s bathroom. Reports suggest that the commotion caused by this revelation triggered distress among the students who felt they had been deceived, in one case causing stress-induced insomnia in a distrait little girl who had formed a close bond with the transgender child.
Parents, in turn, have commenced action with the school arguing the concealment of the child’s sex was inappropriate. Despite their distress, they allege their concerns have been dismissed by the school administration, resulting in their decision to remove their children from the institution.
Whilst government drafted guidelines on transgenderism were introduced to schools last December, they have been criticised for not going far enough. The existing guidelines advise that schools should inform parents before recognising a student as transgender.
Kemi Badenoch, the government’s Women and Equalities minister, expressed concern at the case. The school, meanwhile, stands by its decision, affirming it prioritises the safety and wellbeing of students and emphasises its status as an inclusive school.