GDE launches probe into alleged discrimination against learners at Ekurhuleni school

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has launched an internal investigation into allegations of discrimination against learners at the Wordsworth High School in Benoni.

This comes after pupils were allegedly repeatedly denied entry at the school and forced to wear uniform in accordance with their gender.

ALSO READ: Benoni school faces protest over alleged discrimination against queer learners

On Wednesday, parents and learners staged a protest at the school, demanding accountability.

The GDE said it takes the allegations of discrimination very seriously, which is why they have launched the investigation.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said they want to provide support and counsel to the learners who have been humiliated by the ordeal.

He said the school has also agreed to amend its code of conduct to allow learners to interchange their uniform and not be confined to pants or dresses.

“The advice was that if there are concessions that need to be included in that document. It’s for parents to suggest because as a department, we give guidelines on code of conduct.”

He has urged the learners to return to classes so they can continue with the academic programme.

NATIONAL EDU DEPT WORKING ON POLICY

The GDE said the national Department of Education is working on a school policy to ensure it protects the rights of queer learners.

According to Mabona, this is not the first incident where learner experience discrimination due to their sexual orientation.

He said while some schools have a code of conduct to deal with these issues, a national policy needs to be implemented.

Mabona added that one of the most common issues include not knowing how to deal with the use of toilets.

“On the conduct itself, also looking at your ablution facilities, because there was that complaint of discrimination when you go to girls’ toilets then they say, ‘no go to boys’’. So, all that the policy should [dictate] is how we should be managing that.”