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Girls' school not for girls: Sydney teachers told not to use words 'ladies' or 'women'

Staff at an exclusive Sydney all-girls school have been instructed not to use the words ‘girl, ladies or women’ in an attempt to avoid discrimination of LGBTI students.

Teachers at Cheltenham Girls High School have been asked to refer to students with gender-neutral language, such as ‘students’, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Photo: Cheltenham Girls High School
Photo: Cheltenham Girls High School

The staff were informed to comply with the change of language, which was introduced under the Safe Schools anti-bullying program, or leave as they were ‘breaking the law’ and would be considered homophobic, News Corp claims.

The decision has sparked outrage with some parents who believed their kids were being forced to feel excluded if they didn’t take part in LGBTI activities.

Cheltenham Girls High School is LGBTI friendly with the inclusion of a 'Queer-straight alliance' which reportedly hosts gender equality events such as Wear it Purple Day.

The school also recently removed their Aboriginal flag to raise the rainbow flag at half-mast in commemoration of the US attack at a nightclub in Orlando.

Education Minister Adrian Piccoli is reportedly investigating the complaints, after a petition was signed by concerned parents.