Halton school board orders dress code for teachers after Oakville controversy
Halton trustees have ordered the director of education to create and implement a professionalism policy" for staff - that includes standards of dress - by March.
The move came just two weeks after the education minister weighed in on the controversy over a trans teacher who wears large prosthetic breasts with protruding nipples, saying there is profound concern" with the way the board has handled the situation.
The situation at Oakville Trafalgar High School, which has been reported by news outlets around the world, sparked protests outside of the school and even bomb threats after photos appeared online in September, showing the trans teacher in class.
Al Saplys, whose teen goes to the school, welcomes the board's latest move, saying it's hypocritical" that staff don't have to abide by the same dress code students do, which prohibits clothing that exposes or makes visible genitals and nipples.
Regardless of what you think about gender expression, there have to be standards of professionalism," said Saplys. ... I hope they (the board) can follow through. I hope this doesn't get stalled or blocked."
At a special board meeting on Jan. 3, trustees passed a motion calling on the director to develop a professionalism policy," which outlines expectations for staff, including the requirement to maintain appropriate and professional standards of dress and decorum in the classroom." The policy is to be presented by March 1, with an interim report due in February.
Despite numerous complaints, the board's director and senior staff had previously said a dress code could not be enacted over fears it would open the board to considerable liability" and could violate the human rights code.
However, the Ontario College of Teachers later said boards already have the tools to address the issue, and before the holiday break, Lecce said Halton has an obligation to ensure that these classrooms are safe and respectful places to learn ... I do not believe the board administration has done so to date."
The college said the board has the necessary authorities to enforce those standards, so I expect them to do so."
Board Chair Margo Shuttleworth told the Star that elected trustees are confident that in passing this motion, the staff at the board will work collaboratively with all parties involved to create standards within the work environment, while still staying true to the values and commitments to human rights that we are so fundamentally in support of."
She added that every day (trustees) get new information that might adjust or change the way we look at things. So all of the information that we've been getting, we've all taken very seriously taken to heart and used it to inform where we go, how we move forward."
Concerned about the threats of violence, a small group of parents whose children attend the school has retained a lawyer.
Isabel Teotonio is a Toronto-based reporter covering education for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @Izzy74
Kristin Rushowy is a Toronto-based reporter covering Ontario politics for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @krushowy