School under investigation for forcing pupils to disclose sexual orientation
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has instituted an investigation into claims that a principal forced pupils to disclose whether they are gay.
The department says they're shocked at the conduct of the high school principal.
The Dispatch Live reported Grade 10 pupils of the school in Mdantsane had been asked to point out their girlfriends in front of their parents.
Provincial education department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima says: "Such is against the law and the Schools Act. Learners should not be embarrassed because of their sexual orientation or gender. We expect the principal to play the role of a parent."
Mtima says he cannot confirm the grade or age of the pupils due to the ongoing investigation.
He says it's a sensitive matter.
"The learners need to receive counselling because they were humiliated. They need to be able to participate properly in the school system, as this incident might cause them to drop out or do adverse things," he says worryingly.
The school is one of the top schools in the Eastern Cape. It received a 100% pass rate in 2014, dropping slightly to 95.2% last year.