Islamic College of Melbourne denies literacy event involved ‘transgenderism’

The principal of a leading Islamic school in Tarneit has defended a junior school literacy event saying “there were absolutely no obscene actions”.

The Islamic College of Melbourne has defended a junior school literacy event amid claims it involved ‘obscene actions’ and promoted transgenderism. Picture: Nicki Connolly

A leading Islamic school has defended a junior school literacy event amid claims it involved “obscene actions” by promoting transgenderism and gay pride.

The principal of Islamic College of Melbourne, Dr Abdul Kamareddine, has been inundated with complaints about its Character Day celebrations last Thursday.

It’s understood a well-known drag performer – who was not dressed in drag for the event – was part of the magic-themed event.

The Tarneit school has severed ties with the company that organised the event and Dr Kamareddine was meeting with upset parents on Monday.

In a letter sent to the school community last Friday, he denied the event promoted transgenderism or was linked to Pride Week.

“There were absolutely no obscene actions, attempted inappropriate touching or body parts or clothing signifying transgenderism,” Dr Kamareddine wrote to parents.

“Having said that, I will personally ensure to conduct a thorough review of the school processes and procedures to ensure that the parents’ feedback we received is well taken and considered for all future ICOM events,” he wrote.

The school has been celebrating Character Day as part of Primary Literacy Week for more than a decade. The theme for this year was “reading is magic”.

“The performance had absolutely nothing to do with gender or any of the other points raised especially Pride Month,” Dr Kamareddine wrote.

He said he had to google the week to find out when it was.

He said gift bags given to students were the same ones sold at mosques and Islamic festivals.

“While the school appreciates the huge pressure on Muslim families struggling to raise their kids in an Islamic environment and upon Islamic values, we find it unacceptable and quite hurtful that anyone would question the school intentions and try to make insinuations that we promote any un-Islamic values,” he wrote.

One source linked to the school said parents “are very upset”.

“It’s gone crazy.”

Social media posts about the parents’ reaction note that “There’s a reason why parents send their kids to Islamic schools and that is to teach them right from wrong.”

“This school has brought in a drag queen to perform in front of children. Our concern here isn’t about the drag queen and what he does in his own life. It is about what we are teaching our children.”

The school has been contacted for comment.