Transgender Tutor Demands Apology and Compensation from Catholic Schooling Provider
A music teacher has filed a discrimination claim with the Federal Court of Australia after identifying as a transgender woman.
A part-time music tutor is now suing Sydney Catholic Schools, seeking an apology and compensation for financial losses.
The transgender individual, who identifies as a woman, alleges that she faced intrusive and discriminatory questioning about her appearance after disclosing her new gender identity and preferred pronouns in late 2023.
Despite agreeing to move to a different school to avoid students’ questions, she claims she was not offered an alternative role, effectively terminating her employment.
During a meeting in February 2024, the complainant says she was subjected to confronting, humiliating, insulting, and intimidating questioning by the schooling provider.
After the meeting, the tutor was offered unpaid leave, which she declined.
In May, she rejected an offer for an administrative role with no student contact.
Another offer was made for work at a school, along with an email to staff disclosing her transgender status, which she also declined.
The tutor alleges that the questions she faced revolved around bathroom use and how to address inquiries from parents and staff about her transgender identity.
In court documents, she claims the school provider hindered her ability to connect with students, invaded her privacy, and exposed her to workplace discrimination.
Sydney Catholic Schools have not yet issued a formal response to the allegations.
Education Provider Limits Comment
The provider is refraining from commenting on the matter while it is being litigated.
“Sydney Catholic Schools have submitted our response to the discrimination claims in the case and believe it’s important to respect the privacy and dignity of all parties involved by refraining from further commentary,” a spokesperson for Sydney Catholic Schools informed The Epoch Times.
Organizations like Equality Australia assert that LGBT educators face discrimination in religious schools.
“For every individual who speaks up, there are many more who have experienced discrimination or are concealing their true selves to keep their jobs or education,” stated Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown.
