HCMC high school principal segregates students with 'gender problems'

On Tuesday, Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc, headmistress of the Duong Van Thi high school in Thu Duc City, said in a Zalo message sent to homeroom teachers that male and female students must not sit together; and, "especially, male/female students with gender problems (lesbian/gay) must sit separately."

The message has stirred controversy on social media, with many netizens accusing Truc of discrimination, which should be anathema in an education environment.

Truc defended her action, saying that since the beginning of the school year, many students have had relationships "above friendship" and their behavior was inappropriate, so she "felt the need to direct their behaviors so they would not harm their health."

Regarding the Zalo message, Truc said the "gender problem" part meant students in relationships considered to be above friendship, not gender discrimination.

She said the message was simply work exchange, with the aim of making adjustments and promoting a healthy and safe environment for students. She said she does not want the matter to be "pushed too far" and affect the school’s reputation.

"I have reported the matter to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, and hope this will stop."