Benoni school faces protest over alleged discrimination against queer learners

A school in Benoni is facing criticism following allegations of discrimination against learners based on their sexuality.

Earlier on Wednesday, learners staged a protest at Wordsworth High School after queer learners were allegedly forced to wear uniforms in accordance with their assigned gender rather than their gender identity.

Community members protested in solidarity with the learners, demanding inclusivity at the school.

Community leader Lali Skosana says members were alerted that on Monday, queer female learners were denied entry to the school for wearing school pants. The learners alleged they were told that females must wear dresses and boys must wear pants.

Skosana says the learners were allegedly forced to change before they could be granted entry.

"The principal specifically targeted the lesbian learners and told them there’s a difference between men and women and that they should dress accordingly," Skosana said. "The principal made them remove the school pants and forced them to wear dresses which were dirty, and one even had blood stains."

Following similar demands made by the school yesterday, parents and learners staged a march today to force the school to stop discriminating against the learners.