Mixed reactions to unisex bathrooms in schools

THE Department of Basic Education’s proposed guidelines for inclusivity at schools, which include unisex bathrooms and gender-neutral uniforms, has received mixed reactions.

The guidelines propose that schools allow learners to dress in whatever uniform matches their gender identity or expression, and that schools make provision for unisex bathrooms among others.

The department said the aim was to put in place “measures that will create a safe environment for learners of a different sexual orientation”.

Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) secretary-general Sheikh Zaid Dantie has called on parents to voice their concerns.

“While we remain respectful of diversity of opinions, we deem this new trend of thrusting the LGBTQ narrative, liberalism, and post-modernity upon us, as a violation of our rights as Muslims and the rights of all other religious denominations.

“These narratives that are forced down our throats are wanting us, a 21st century society, to question the very basic existence of all things, be it as simple as the pronoun by which we refer to one another or our very gender and sex.”

SA Democratic Teachers Union spokesperson Nomusa Cembi questioned whether the department has consulted with parents on the matter.

“We should be accommodating LGBTQI persons in schools, but we believe that we have so much to do when it comes to improving ablution facilities. There are learners who are still going to bushes to relieve themselves. Now we were expecting the department to focus on building proper toilets for those affected schools,” Cembi said.

The DBE did not respond to questions by deadline yesterday.