School put transgender student into isolation for showing up to dance in girls’ clothes
Charissa Mehojah is distraught that her daughter's first outing as a girl saw her forced to sit in a school library by herself
A 13 year-old student was ordered into isolation at a school dance because she is transgender, her mother says. Charissa Mehojah says her daughter, who she did not name, was ordered into a library after turning up at the Valentine’s Day dance at Rice Creek School in Port Wentworth, Georgia.
The youngster, who identifies as female, showed up in a black blouse, black slacks, eye shadow and a rose in her hair. Mehojah says her daughter’s treatment was particularly upsetting because it was the first time she had ventured out in public as a girl.
She explained: ‘I was furious, I was livid. She was crying and upset because this was the first time she was able to express who she is inside, in a public setting. Honestly, she was going to go in a dress, but she chose not to just in case it was going to be a problem.’
Mehojah says her daughter had originally planned to wear a dress, but decided to opt for a more conservative look in a bid to avoid ruffling feathers. After confronting the counselor who removed her daughter, the school worker accused the student of wearing fancy dress.
They then asked for medical proof that the teenager is transgender, further infuriating Mehojah.
She added: ‘Childhood is when you- your formative years are when you start forming who you are at your core.
‘You should be able to express that.’
WJCL said there is nothing in the school’s dress code that stops students wearing blouses slacks, makeup or flowers on non-uniform days or events.
A school spokesman insisted it ‘respects the rights of all students’ – including youngsters who identify as LGBTQ.
A spokesman said ‘. It is expected that students will adhere to dress code requirements at school and during school sponsored activities.
‘Our students’ adherence to these requirements help to minimize disruptions to the learning environment or school activity.
‘Any special considerations must be fully communicated so the school can review all requests and respond appropriately.
‘Our information does not support the claim that the school principal asked for “medical proof” in this situation. Rather, the word “medical” was referenced when explaining the basis for certain policy exceptions.’