There has still been no resolution in the case of Jose Garcia. He is the 19 year old student at the Baptist School of Adult and Continuing Studies in Belmopan. He is a male but dresses effeminately and has used the female bathroom. The school administration has frowned on his behavior because they find it disruptive. But the Ministry of Education says he should not be discriminated against. Still, yesterday the Minister of Education could offer no assurance to Jose Garcia. Faber told us that because it is a Baptist High School, there is not much the Ministry can do.
Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
“As it relates to his particular school, the Baptist High School that I am also certain it is not government aided. We may have less of a say at this time as to what their rules can be. I believe it is a private school. They may
receive a small grant from the government to operate but it is not a government aided school. So in that regard, yes that particular school may have a stronger argument in terms of implementing things that are in line with their religion that may not be in line with everybody else wants to see. But certainly, they are bound to follow the constitution, otherwise anybody can take them to court.”
Keith Swift,
“But just on the face of it, are you concerned about a school attempting to expel a student because of his lifestyle?”
Hon. Patrick Faber,
“Well as I said I have not been privy to all the information. As I am understanding it, he has not been expelled. I am understanding there was some difficulty with the way he dresses and all schools have certain dress codes in this country, it is nothing new, as well as a male person using a female bathroom, I would have serious difficulty with that as well. So things like that, of course if that is what he is being written to, to say, ‘listen this will not be condoned,’ I have to support the school in that regard.”
Jose Garcia has told Ministry of Education officials that he will agree to stop dressing like a female.
