Trans Student’s Expulsion from Guwahati School Over Social Media Activity Raises Privacy Concerns

New Delhi: A transgender student enrolled at South Point School at Guwahati in Assam was expelled from the institution following objections from the principal over her social media activity.

The incident unfolded when the class XI student, a minor, posted photos of herself in a bathing suit on her personal Instagram account, prompting the school’s principal, K Chanda, to summon her parents. He allegedly described the post as “shameful and disgusting” and insisted that the student be withdrawn from the school.

Indrani Chakraborty, the student’s mother, recounted that the principal contacted her daughter on the evening of June 10, demanding a meeting with her guardians. He further notified the family via WhatsApp that the student was suspended from attending classes until further notice.

The Wire has quoted Chakraborty as saying, “The principal suggested that I remove my child from the school due to her social media post, which he deemed inappropriate. The picture in question was from a family pool outing where she wore a swimsuit.”

The situation escalated on June 11 when the family met with school officials. According to Chakraborty, several teachers expressed support for her daughter and opposed her expulsion.

However, during discussions, Principal Chanda proposed that the student could stay if she deleted her social media accounts, disengaged from her community and ongoing counseling, and followed specific guidelines set by the school counselor.

“We rejected these conditions and insisted on a transfer certificate,” Chakraborty emphasized, asserting that her daughter’s privacy had been violated without consent. She criticized the moral policing and character defamation that followed, deeming it unacceptable.

Principal Chanda defended the school’s stance, highlighting the student’s transition process and the support extended by the institution. He alleged that the student had moved away from school norms by getting piercings, tattoos and posting semi-nude photos on social media. Despite requests to remove the photos and modify her appearance, the parents refused — citing their daughter’s right to self-expression.

Consequently, the school issued a transfer certificate upon the parents’ request.

In response to the incident, Rituparna, associate vice-chairperson of the State Transgender Welfare Board, issued a letter to the school demanding an explanation. She underscored the need for educational institutions to uphold legal standards and ensure accountability in such matters.

This incident has ignited a broader conversation about the treatment of transgender students in educational settings, with Chakraborty highlighting previous instances of bullying and inadequate disciplinary action by the school.

Chanda refuted allegations of molestation on school premises, attributing any minor issues to verbal bullying, which he claimed were addressed through sensitization sessions conducted by the school counselor.

Chakraborty concluded by condemning the school’s actions and advocating for her daughter’s mental well-being, stressing the harmful impact of such incidents on transgender students’ education and well-being.