# Canberra school principal resignation dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canberra-school-principal-resignation-dispute > Updated: 2026-09-15T07:39:28.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Janelle Rowe, a veteran educator with 34 years of experience, has resigned from her position as principal of Bonython Primary School in Canberra. Her resignation follows a dispute regarding the school’s participation in ‘Wear It Purple Day’, an event intended to support LGBTQIA+ students. Rowe sought to replace the observance with ‘Bullying No Way Week’, a national anti-bullying campaign. She argued that the LGBTQIA+ awareness event was not a ‘harmless dress-up day’ and contended that discussing sexual and gender identities with children aged four to twelve should be the responsibility of parents and families rather than schools. Following her opposition to the event, the ACT Education Directorate summoned Rowe to address internal complaints and placed her under direct supervision. Rowe resigned after being asked to participate in the event despite her convictions. While recent disciplinary proceedings and allegations have been raised, previous official documents described her as an ‘outstanding’, ‘excellent’, and ‘highly competent’ leader. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: Canberra school principal resigns over LGBTQ+ event dispute Janelle Rowe, a veteran Canberra school principal, resigned after refusing to host ‘Wear It Purple Day’, citing her belief that discussions on sexual and gender identity belong to parents, not schools. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canberra-school-principal-resigns-over-lgbtq-event-dispute ### 2026-09-08: Canberra principal resigns after dispute over LGBTQIA+ awareness day A veteran Canberra primary school principal, Janelle Rowe, has resigned after refusing to host ‘Wear It Purple Day’, arguing that LGBTQIA+ discussions are a matter for families rather than young students. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canberra-principal-resigns-after-dispute-over-lgbtqia-awareness-day --- Cite as: Canberra school principal resignation dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canberra-school-principal-resignation-dispute