J.K. Rowling name dropped in British school amid transgender row
- The Boswells School has changed name of one of its houses from Rowling to Holmes, honouring Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes instead
- Move followed student and staff requests and school vote; headmaster says Harry Potter author’s views ‘do not align with school beliefs’
The Boswells School in Chelmsford, eastern England, said it had changed the name of its red house from Rowling to Holmes, in honour of Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes.
“At The Boswells School we foster a vibrant, inclusive and democratic school community, where we encourage students to develop into independent, confident citizens,” said headmaster Stephen Mansell.
“In autumn 2021, we reviewed and renamed one of our school houses following numerous requests from students and staff, as well as a whole school vote.”
A newsletter last July from the school, for pupils aged 11-18, said its six houses are “represented by British citizens who have excelled”.
“However, following numerous requests by students and staff we are reviewing the name of our red house ‘Rowling’ and in light of J.K. Rowling’s comments and viewpoints surrounding trans people.
