Expelling a trans student for an Instagram post is a breach of their rights and a blatant example of institutional overreach

A transgender student at Guwahati’s South Point School was expelled because the principal disapproved of the student’s activity on social media. The student, who is in class XI and under 18 years old, had shared pictures of themselves wearing a bathing suit on their private Instagram account.

The principal of South Point School, K Chanda, invaded a student’s privacy by checking their social media and then called them late at night on June 10 to demand a talk with their parents. The principal called the student’s photos on social media ‘shameful and disgusting.’

The student’s mother, Indrani Chakraborty, said her daughter had a panic attack during this call, which was on speakerphone and was very upset by the principal’s harsh words.

Chakraborty notified the school about her daughter’s gender identity about two years ago when they were starting 9th grade. The minor, who shared their identity with their guardians during the pandemic, has been experiencing continued bullying and harassment from some classmates and teachers despite the school’s assurance of providing necessary support.

Chakraborty mentioned that they advocated for awareness programs at school, but only a few teachers participated. She explained that her daughter had to miss school often because bullying affected her mental health. Despite these challenges, her daughter finished 10th grade and moved to 11th grade, as reported by Feminism In India.

“Just three classes into the new school year, and my daughter is already facing issues from the administration,” said Indrani Chakraborty.

My daughter is tall, and the principal said their skirt was too high. He would comment, ‘Your legs are visible; it’s making us uncomfortable.

Indrani Chakraborty, mother of the student.

Due to the negative impact of the environment on their mental health, their advisors recommended different schooling options, such as alternative education or homeschooling. While they were considering these choices, the incident on June 10 happened.

When the parents talked to the school on June 11, Principal Chanda said their child could only continue attending if they deleted their social media account, left their community and ongoing counselling sessions, and followed the school counsellor. He also insisted that they come to school wearing clothes that covered their whole body, as alleged by Chakraborty.

Chakraborty stated, “We refused these terms and requested a transfer certificate. I cannot endanger my daughter’s safety by sending them to such a harmful environment where students are watched, controlled, humiliated, and suppressed. Who gave them permission to invade my daughter’s privacy? Wearing a bathing suit at the pool is not illegal, and it did not occur on school property.”

The parents also asked why the principal called their daughter’s personal phone number after office hours and how the principal obtained the number. They questioned whether this was appropriate.

What is the School’s Response?

Principal Chanda, speaking to The Assam Tribune, said that the school had told students not to post semi-nude photos on social media after receiving complaints from some parents.

Chanda stated that they had no issue with the student’s gender identity. They provided psychological support and education about gender sensitivity to the students and teachers.

Chanda said, ‘But when they started 11th grade, they got a face piercing and a tattoo. After that, they began posting semi-nude photos on social media.’

The school’s principal said they had spoken with the student’s parents. The parents supported their daughter’s right to express herself. However, the principal clarified that the student needed to stop her activities, or she would have to leave the school.

Given the complaints from other parents about the post, Chakraborty questioned whether the principal’s response was appropriate.

Is a Student Being Denied an Education?

Chakraborty stated that the school not only intruded on their daughter’s privacy but also interfered with her right to education.

“They can’t refuse a student’s right to study by law. They can’t kick out a student in elementary school, so after promoting them to 11th grade, they started all this drama.”

Census data shows that only 46% of transgender individuals are literate, compared to 74% in the general population. Transgender children often face stigma and societal taboos, leading to fewer educational and employment opportunities.

Transgender children struggle to be accepted at mainstream schools. Even if they get in, they often face bullying and harassment from other students, which can make them drop out of school due to the emotional trauma it causes.

According to Chakraborty, their child experienced severe bullying and harassment at school. Still, the school authorities did not take decisive action. Despite reporting it, the bullies were not expelled.

The parents are asking for a public apology. Chakraborty said, “The school has caused a lot of harm. This trauma will affect her for her whole life.”

Chakraborty filed complaints with the Transgender Welfare Board and the Child Rights Protection Committee.

The State Transgender Welfare Board’s Associate Vice-Chairperson, Rituparna, told The Wire that the school has received a letter from the Board regarding the incident. The Board is taking this matter seriously and demands that such incidents in educational institutions stop. They seek accountability from the school authorities and require them to comply with the current law.

Chakraborty stated, “I am not only fighting for my child but for the entire transgender community, who are consistently denied access to education and other rights.”