The principal of an Australian Christian independent school mired in controversy over an enrolment contract affirming the school’s stance on gender and sexuality has stood down, saying he is “heartbroken.”
Citipointe Christian College in Brisbane, Queensland has been the target of public criticism and two government-led probes in response to a contract it sent to parents on Jan. 28.
The agreement, which it subsequently withdrew on Feb. 3, described homosexuality as a sin and stated that the college would only enrol students on the basis of the “gender that corresponds to their biological sex.”
In an email to parents on Feb. 5, Principal and Pastor Brian Mulheran said he had decided to take extended leave to “reflect on what has transpired and provide the college community time to heal.”
“Citipointe needs to be ready to welcome students on Monday with a positive outlook to start the new school year,” the statement read.
“Our intention was only to offer families a choice about how their children are educated, and to be open and transparent about our religious ethos that guides the way we teach and care for students.
“I am heartbroken that, by doing so, our college, and our community have suffered so much.”
Mulheran revealed he had been “devastated” talking to the students who have “suffered hurtful and hate-filled verbal assaults simply because of their beliefs or for attending the college.”
“I am sorry, sorry that some students felt that they may be being discriminated against at Citipointe. We would never discriminate against any student on the basis of their sexuality or gender identity,” he wrote.
Ruth Gravestien, the school’s head of primary will become acting principal.
The move comes amid heightened pressure on Mulheran to resign.
Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli on Feb. 5, said it was “absolutely the right decision” for the principal to step down as “the contract clearly wasn’t one that was right either in law or in practice.”
“At the heart of it we have to reflect on the impact that these things have on the kids,” he said.
However, fellow Liberal National Party member and federal MP of Dawson, George Christensen, noted that parents and students had “a choice” of whether to go to a Christian school or not.
Rebecca Fishcher, a former student of the college, said she was glad the principal “stood up for Christian values” but was disappointed by the response of some political leaders who identified as Christians.
“If they waited to have a group of Christian schools to support, it would take years. Not many schools make a stand for their values,” she wrote.
“We get so-called good people into positions of power but when they are there, they cave and don’t stand up for truth.”
The Human Rights Commission in Queensland said they were reviewing complaints, while Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace, and Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman have been critical of Citipointe College’s actions.
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