A school at the centre of a self-identity row has said none of its pupils “identify as a cat or any other animal”.
A teacher at Rye College was reportedly recorded telling a pupil her opinions were “despicable” for refusing to accept there are more than two genders.
It sparked debate online forcing Education Secretary Gillian Keegan to step in and launch an investigation into the alleged incident earlier this week.
And after meetings between the Department for Education and Rye College, the school has hit back denying its students all identify as humans.
“We have now met with the Department for Education to share a comprehensive update on the events which took place before, during and after the recording,” said a spokesman for the school.
“This meeting was a positive step and we will continue working closely with them to ensure any appropriate action is taken.
“We can confirm, no children at Rye College identify as a cat or any other animal.
“More widely, we understand that draft guidance on gender identity in schools is expected to be issued by the Government soon and we would of course welcome what we hope will be clear and helpful guidance to support all teachers and schools in addressing gender identity going forward.
“This will be particularly useful in developing future training to ensure staff feel confident, well-equipped and well-prepared to address these issues.”
READ MORE: Rye College investigated after pupil called despicable in gender row
On the teaching of gender identities, Ms Keegan said this week that schools should teach “contested views” to children.
She also told The Telegraph: “Teachers must have due regard to safeguarding if a pupil identifies as an animal.”
In the clip, originally reported by MailOnline on Monday, a heated disagreement between the pupil and teenager started when the pupil stated: “If you have a vagina you’re a girl and if you have penis you’re a boy. That’s it”.
The teacher replied: “Cisgender is not necessarily the way to be.
“You are talking about the fact that cisgender is the norm, that you identify with the sexual organ you were born with, that’s basically what you’re saying, which is really despicable."
The child is believed to be 13 years of age.
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