17-yr-old girls expelled for lesbianism sue school for victimization

Five students expelled from St Georges Girls Secondary School, Kenya, for allegedly being lesbians have sued the institution.

The girls, who are all 17-year-olds, sued the school for institution for victimization and discrimination through their parents.

In their suit, filed by lawyer Mwangombe Mwakio, they asked the court to order their immediate readmission in furtherance of their basic right to education.

Court documents filed by Mwakio show that the students were suspended on April 8, 2015 and, following a decision by the school's disciplinary committee, expelled on May 18.

According to the committee, the students were caught in lesbian acts.

The girls however claim they were only studying together on their beds when they slept off, accusing the management of being "high headed".

The girls say the insinuations about them being lesbians have made them lose their self-confidence and esteem, adding that their expulsion was unjust and contrary to the constitution and the basic Education Act 2013.

"Denying us rights to be in school at the time when we are expected to prepare for final examinations not only affects us but also destabilizes our families," their suit read.

In a letter sent to the affected parents before the expulsion, the school principal, Lucy Rukunga, gave the parents an opportunity to redeem their wards.

"Your daughter named above has been suspended from school for gross misconduct," Rukunga read.

"You are required to appear before the school disciplinary committee on April 24 to show why your daughter should not be excluded from the institution."

The parents were asked to confirm if their daughters were lesbians during the disciplinary committee session.

Rukunga later wrote the parents to communicate the expulsion decision and inform them that their children will be allowed to sit for their final exams.

Amongst other things, the parents seek damages and want an order directing the school to cover the cost if they are forced to transfer to other schools.