Seville school case highlights bullying and hate based on gender identity
A family reports that a young student faced aggressive bullying at a Seville school after peers identified him by his gender expression. Messages in a WhatsApp group surfaced calls for violence, with classmates encouraging harm and humiliation because of his sexual status.
The family’s lawyer, Lorena Lozano, confirmed to EFE that the minor left the school due to persistent disdain. She added that some former classmates reportedly urged others in a WhatsApp group connected to his former class to act violently toward him, including statements like beating him or causing severe harm.
The accusation was filed on March 17 after a meeting with the central administration, alleging hate and discrimination tied to gender and sexual orientation. The filing notes that the school environment failed to protect the student and allowed harassment to escalate.
Within the complaint, a teacher is described as refusing to address the underage child by the gender he describes until a judge provides instruction. This stance stands in contrast to an inclusive approach that affirms a student’s gender identity and safety in school settings.
The boy, who was 13 at the time, identified as bisexual and transgender and reported enduring public teasing, threats, and pressure from many students following conversations with his peers. The experience underscores the impact of gender identity on school climate and the urgent need for protective measures in educational environments.
The solicitor’s office lodged a criminal complaint alleging hate crimes and discrimination against the students at the center who broadcast threats and urged others to harm him, as well as against any individuals responsible that may emerge during the investigation. The filing states that the allegations rest on grounds of gender and sexual identity and seeks accountability for those involved in the incident. (Diario de Sevilla)