A transgender alum is suing her former high school over “discriminatory” policies that prohibited her from having long hair.
Oscar Fung, who studied at the World Lung Kung Federation (LKWFSL) Lau Wong Fat High School in Tai Kok Tsui from 2019 to 2025, filed a petition in the District Court on Thursday, local media reported. reported.
According to the article, Fung experienced gender dysphoria at the age of 14 when her parents separated.
During the Lunar New Year celebration in 2024, Fung decided to grow her hair. However, she was reprimanded at school after recess because her hair exceeded the length allowed for male students and was accused of breaking school rules.
The writ said Fung was reprimanded by two teachers for nearly 30 minutes one day, with the teacher threatening to withdraw her from science competitions where she represented the school.
Fung felt embarrassed and angry as other students witnessed the scene. She was then taken to the discipline teacher, who accused her of “playing like a girl” and told her to cut her hair.
The letter also mentioned that Fung had filed a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission, but it was dismissed.
‘Hurt feelings’
Fung claimed in the filing that the school violated the Sex Discrimination Ordinance because female students were allowed to grow long hair while male students were not.
She asked the court to declare the school’s rules discriminatory and order her to pay damages for “hurt feelings.” DEADLINE according to the ordinance.
The letter also said that one of the school’s vice principals, Pang King-fai, had twice flouted the Sex Discrimination Ordinance.
During a meeting with Fung before the end of the 2023-24 school year, Pang said the school was not subject to the Sex Discrimination Ordinance.
The second step was during a ceremony on the first day of school for the 2024-2025 academic year in September 2024. Pang told students publicly that male students’ hairstyles did not fall under the ordinance and any challenges would be dealt with through disciplinary measures.
According to the article, another vice principal, Li Wing-yee, told Fung that if she did not abide by the school’s rules, she should change schools.
A hearing on the case has been scheduled for July 15, according to the website of the Judiciary.
