Australian Science & Mathematics School principal Jayne Heath defends gender diversity day after parent’s ‘cross dressing’ criticism

A principal has defended a plan to allow students to “express their identity” through different clothing for a day after a parent complained.

The principal of a Bedford Park school has defended a proposed event aimed at celebrating gender inclusiveness and supporting diversity.

Jayne Heath, from the Australian Science & Mathematics School, said the event – which was still being finalised – was being organised by the school’s Rainbow Club.

She said the club, made up of two to three students interested in gender identity, was planning a series of “awareness raising activities”.

Australian Science & Mathematics School principal Jayne Heath. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

Ms Heath said a day where students “who wish to express their gender by wearing different attire” was being considered as one of the activities.

“This will be managed very discreetly,” she said. “Rainbow Club members are very aware of how they need to be looking after these young people.”

Ms Heath was forced to defend the event after concerns raised by a parent that students were going to spend a day “celebrating cross dressing”.

In an email to The Advertiser, the parent labelled the event “disgusting”.

“My son said the students are being told to question their gender and sexuality,” the father wrote.

He said the school should be focusing on “better education” rather than trying to “confuse the students” about their sexuality.

“The parents have a right to hear about this from the school and be allowed to opt out of the circus,” he said.

Ms Heath said as part of the curriculum, the Rainbow Club, which was supported by a teacher and a youth worker, was looking at the damage caused by non-inclusiveness, particularly on a students’ ability to learn.

“The need to feel included and accepted before you can learn is a whole session that the students will be learning,” Ms Heath said. “Anything about being included is part of that.”

She said the program was going to be discussed by the school’s governing council at a meeting on Monday night.

“We’re taking it to our governing council to talk about how we can share what we are doing with our school community, in a way that identifies the reason why we are doing this,” Ms Heath said.

She said a similar event had been held before.

“Rather than just ignoring it or leaving it to young people to grapple with alone, we’re putting in some support around it to help them answer their own questions,” Ms Heath said.

Ms Heath welcomed any parents of the school with concerns to contact her.