On May 22, An Lantawan organized the PINILIAY 2023: Supreme Student Council Executive Elections Interview at the Leyte Normal University Ballroom, featuring candidates from the Kilusan ng Studyanteng Palaban (KSP), the sole participating party in the elections.
During the interview, one of the segments called "University Awareness" prompted the candidates to share their perspectives on pressing topics and issues within the university. This segment aimed to gauge their understanding of important matters concerning the institution.
Among the topics discussed were the 'dress code' policy and 'gender expression' on campus. The candidates' responses were published online through the school's publication 'An Lantawan,' igniting netizens' outrage due to perceived discrimination against the LGBTQIA community.
Gender Expression and Dress Code
Schools should ideally provide a safe and inclusive environment for students to learn, explore their identities, and freely express themselves. However, the responses given by the candidates during the interview reveal a concerning aspect: the school's strict dress code policy contradicts the fundamental purpose of educational institutions.
Furthermore, it is disheartening to observe that even the aspiring president of the student government unit seems to be influenced by this policy. Their statement suggests a limited understanding of gender expression, as they mention being open to it but with certain restrictions. They propose providing activities, programs, and workshops for students to express themselves, but express reservations when it comes to aspects like cross-dressing.
Here are the statements of the aspiring officers:
These statements raise concerning questions about the level of inclusivity and acceptance within the school community. They also bring into question the candidates' ability to advocate for the rights and well-being of all students, irrespective of their gender expression. As we strive for greater inclusivity in our educational institutions, it is disheartening to witness such discriminatory remarks from those aspiring to lead. The resulting controversy has understandably ignited outrage among online netizens, highlighting the urgent need for a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
MAKE SCHOOLS INCLUSIVE NOW!
Actress and advocate Mela Habijan has recently taken a stand to ensure the implementation of the Department of Education's (DepEd) policy against gender-based violence and discrimination in schools. In a letter addressed to Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio, Habijan shared her concerns and the experiences shared by several students who were denied the right to attend school in alignment with their gender identity.
According to Habijan's letter, she was approached by numerous students who had been informed by their school heads that they could not attend school as their authentic selves. In response, Habijan referenced DepEd NCR and DepEd Region IV-A, both of which had reiterated the department's Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy (DepEd Order 32, s. 2017) through memos released in June.
Habijan's letter highlights her previous campaign to support trans students who faced similar challenges during their graduation ceremonies in June. These students were initially prohibited from wearing dresses and were required to cut their hair to conform to traditional gender norms.
Through her efforts and appeal to the DepEd, Habijan aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their gender identity, are granted the right to attend school without discrimination, in accordance with DepEd policies.
