JK Rowling
New name for an English school building
A school building formerly named after JK Rowling has been given a new name.
© Vivienne Vincent / Landmark Media / ImageCollect
A British school building was previously named after JK Rowling. But that is no longer the case.
After controversial statements by JK Rowling (56) about transsexuality, an English school renamed a building that previously bore the name of the “Harry Potter” author. This is reported by several British media, including the “BBC”.
Stephen Mansell, headmaster of the education facility in Chelmsford, Essex, has confirmed that the building had already been renamed in autumn 2021 after a vote. Accordingly, students and employees had previously made numerous inquiries. The building is now named after the British athlete Dame Kelly Holmes (51).
Students should become “independent and self-confident” people
According to Mansell, the aim is to promote a “lively, inclusive and democratic school community”. Schoolchildren should be encouraged to develop into “independent and self-confident citizens”.
Rowling had caused outrage with statements about trans people in the past few months. She had it around the summer of 2020 pronounced against the phrase “people who menstruate”. Many users saw this as tactless and accused Rowling of being transphobic.
The author also received criticism from the ranks of the stars of the “Harry Potter” films for her attitude. Among other things, Emma Watson (31), who played Hermione, had tweeted a few days later: “I want my transsexual followers to know that I and so many other people around the world recognize, respect and love you for who you are.”