We believe that the exclusion of Fin Green by Wilsthorpe School is unjustified, is a direct consequence of his autism and may be discriminatory against Fin’s transgender identity. 

Fin was permanently excluded from school on Friday 21 May. According to school policy, the headteacher is solely responsible for exclusions. Fin is transgender, has autism and mental health problems. Fin has never, until now, had any disciplinary problems in school. He has not even had a detention. Fin began self harming in September 2019, shortly after entering school. He was briefly helped then by Student Support, and stopped for a while. This was before the current headteacher was at the school. Since then, he has only self harmed during school time – never in holidays nor during lockdown. Fin has been continually bullied due to his transgender identity, and even threatened with physical harm. Other LGBT+ pupils have experienced similar. They have given up reporting it, as nothing is done. Parents have also reported it, but no investigation has followed. Fin has also been bullied over his self harm by pupils shouting ‘wrist check’ at him over a prolonged period. Again, no action has followed. Fin has received no support for his autism, until a welfare support worker visited his home 2 weeks ago. This worker met Fin for the first time yesterday (21 May). We did not deny that Fin transgressed school rules, and sanctions should have been put in place, but exclusion is disproportionate. Fin’s behaviour was an attempt to communicate how threatened he felt, and for autistic children, behaviour can be their best way to communicate. Had Fin been properly supported, his self harming may never have happened, and the unacceptable behaviour would never have occurred. Fin should be allowed to return to school immediately, with proper support and a guarantee that bullying will be fully investigated to ensure he, and others feel safe. He should be guaranteed that there will be no prejudice or reprisal against him, and be educated in a supportive and caring manner.

There is more to this. If you wish to know the full story, please contact the petitioner via Facebook (Victoria K Green). If you can help, please let us know. Thank you.

Victoria Green    Contact the author of the petition