Student Protest Forces Lesbian Vice Principal to Resign

The lesbian vice principal of a Belgian school said she was forced out of her position after a student-led riot broke out.

About 200 Euros (or US$277) wend missing from a student's bag during a physical education class on Oct. 12, according to Belgian newspaper LeSoir and Care2. Students at l'Institut des Filles de Marie were asked to sign waivers, giving authority for school administrators to search their property. Eventually the money was found in a girl's sock.

The vice principal, identified as Eliane, said shortly after the search took place, students began spreading rumors that the vice principal conducted unauthorized naked searches. Students said Eliane forced girls to undress, and mandated religious observers to remove head scarves. Protests shortly broke out among students, with at least 100 refusing to go to class, and others wearing t-shirts and buttons condemning Eliane, calling for her to resign after a 33-year career. Many referred to Eliane as a "perverse lesbian."

High-ranking school administrator Daniel Pint told LeSoir that they have "never discriminated against anyone." He added that Eliane was not open about her sexuality to students, and her work was exceptional. Still, Eliane said she was still urged to leave her post by other administrators.