British school withdraws JK Rowling’s name, due to controversial ‘transphobic’ comments

A British school decided to withdraw the name of JK Rowling of one of its buildings and rename it due to the controversial opinions of the author of the famous Harry Potter saga on transsexual issues, that earned him accusations of transphobia.

The Boswells School in Chelmsford, in the east of England, which welcomes pupils aged 11 to 18, He explained that he had changed the name of the building to Holmes, in honor of Olympic gold medalist Kelly Holmes.

“At Boswells School we foster an inclusive and democratic school community, where we encourage students to develop as self-confident and independent citizens”said the director Stephen Mansell.

By the end of 2021 “We reviewed and changed the name of one of our houses after numerous requests from students and staff, as well as a vote from the entire school”, added.

In a July newsletter, the center claimed that its six buildings were named after “British citizens who have stood out.”

“However, following numerous requests from students and staff, we are revising the name of our red house ‘Rowling’ and in light of JK Rowling’s comments and opinions on trans people.” precise.

The Scottish writer has long been embroiled in controversy with the transgender community over her belief that women’s sex-based rights must be protected.

The dispute began in 2020, when the author tweeted against the use of the phrase “menstruating people”, rather than just women.

The message caused a distancing from some of the stars of the Harry Potter films, including its protagonist Daniel Radcliffe, who tweeted an apology on his behalf.

Rowling denies being transphobic and revealed in November that she had received death threats for her statements. (I)