Citipointe principal stands aside citing ‘heartbreak’ over fallout of gender contract
The principal of Brisbane private school Citipointe - which was heavily criticised for a controversial contract it wanted parents to sign - has stepped aside, saying he is “heartbroken” by the fallout.
Education
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The principal of a private school criticised for its controversial gender contract has stepped down, saying he is “heartbroken” by the fallout.
Citipointe Christian College on Thursday withdrew an enrolment contract which asked families to agree their children would identify as their birth gender or face being excluded from the school.
It also proclaimed beliefs that homosexuality and bisexuality are destructive to society,
Dozens of current families and former students of the Carindale school this week spoke of the harm they believed the contract would cause the LGBTQI+ community.
Principal pastor Brian Mulheran told parents in a statement on Friday night that he was stepping aside as principal following the furore.
In an email sent to parents Mr Mulheran recognised that the college community felt “a great deal of hurt and distress” in the week since he sent out the revised enrolment contract.
“Our College community needs time to heal after the events of this week,” he said.
“Just as importantly, Citipointe needs to be ready to welcome students on Monday with a positive outlook to start the new school year.
“With this in mind, I feel it is right for me to stand aside and take extended leave in order to reflect on what has transpired and provide the College community time to heal.
“Our Head of Primary, Ruth Gravestein has agreed to step into the role of Acting Principal and will be supported by former Headmaster Ron Woolley.”
Former student and member of the LGBTQI+ community Felicity Myers said she was almost speechless at the news, after beginning a conversation about the contract on social media last weekend.
“I’m amazed, relieved and everything in between,” she told The Courier-Mail.
“This is the change the school needs to restore peace and harmony.”
Mr Mulheran, in his email, said the school’s intention was only to offer families a choice about how their children were educated, and to be open and transparent about its religious ethos that guided the way it taught.
“I am heartbroken that by doing so, our College, and our community have suffered so much,” he said.
Mr Mulheran said he was grateful to those people within the community who had offered support to the college, students and staff.
“However, I have been devastated talking to our students who have suffered hurtful and hate-filled verbal assaults simply because of their beliefs or for attending the College,” he said.
“As I said in my letter informing parents that the contract has been withdrawn, I am sorry that some students felt that they may be being discriminated against at Citipointe.
“We would never discriminate against any student on the basis of their sexuality or gender identity.”
He said the new acting principal, with the support of the former headmaster, would do an excellent job and work well with staff, students and families.
“I am sure that everyone within our College community will offer Ruth, and all of our staff, their respect and support for the season ahead,” he said.
“I wish our students and families all the best as they start the new school year.”
Protesters gathered at King George Square on Friday evening to rally for equality in response to the contract.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has vowed to fast track a law change preventing schools like Citipointe Christian College from discriminating against LGBTQI+ students.
The school has been reached for further comment.
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