20.06.2026 15:30
After a teacher working at a private school in Istanbul changed their name and gender by court decision, a dispute arose between parents and the school administration. While the school administration organized a 'Sexual Identity Development' seminar for protesting parents, the Ministry of National Education launched an investigation and inquiry into the matter following complaints.
Burak Ü., an English teacher working at a private school in Istanbul's Sariyer district, reportedly underwent a gender and name change by court order. After the teacher continued her duties with her new name, some parents reacted to the situation.
SEMINAR INVITATION SENT TO PARENTS
According to a report by Akşam newspaper; the school administration sent an informational message to parents regarding the teacher's name change process. The message stated that the teacher would continue her duties with her new name "Zoe Lila," and it was noted that an invitation was made to a seminar on "Gender Identity Development."
PARENTS FILED A COMPLAINT
It was learned that some parents applied to the Provincial Directorate of National Education to file a complaint regarding the developments. It was stated that the parents brought their objections to the teacher's continuation of duties to official authorities.
MEB LAUNCHES REVIEW AND INVESTIGATION
Following the developments, it was reported that the General Directorate of Private Educational Institutions of the Ministry of National Education initiated a review and investigation on the matter. In a statement made by the Ministry, it was noted that the incident was being evaluated within the framework of pedagogical principles and that a general inspection process had been launched.