St John’s College Vows To Embrace Diversity After Deputy Head Comes Out To Students

Dr Neal Hovelmeier the Deputy Headmaster, at St Johns College in Harare has come out to his students about his sexuality in a bid to curb homophobic behaviour and to create a safe learning environment for all students regardless of sexual orientation. The college has come out in support of the move saying that its college campus embraces all forms of diversity. In a letter signed by the Headmaster, Cav. C. Trinci and the Deputy Headmaster, Mr A Sakala, the school said,

Dear Parents and Friends of our St. John’s community

This morning an extraordinary, plenary Assembly was called at the College: At this Assembly, a statement was delivered by one of our members of staff, Dr Neal Hovelmeier, of impeccable credentials.

He is a man of complete integrity and whose record, over many years at this fine College of ours, is unimpeachable.

A statement by Dr Hovelmeier is attached.

It suffices for Mr Sakala and I to say that this College Campus is a place where diversity is embraced and a safe and caring environment is provided for ALL persons regardless of race, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, abilities or disabilities or any other real or perceived ‘difference’.

We both strongly believe that the majority of members of our community are made up of people of tolerance and people who are respectful of others, and progressive enough to embrace this diversity within our constituency.

St. John’s College is an independent, day high school for boys aged 12–18 in Borrowdale

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