Waterdown principal apologizes for comments about school dress code

The principal of a Waterdown high school where police are investigating reports of sexual assault and harassment is apologizing for comments made about the school dress code.

In a statement Thursday, Waterdown District High School principal Theresa Sgambato said we regret the timing of today's morning announcement about appropriate dress at school. The timing of the announcement was insensitive to the ongoing concerns about sexual assault."

The statement does not address what specifically was said. On Tuesday, police announced they are investigating multiple reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment at the school. The suspect is not an employee or a volunteer or anyone in a position of authority," police say.

We are sorry and wish to apologize to anyone who interpreted this announcement as being unsupportive of victims of sexual assault or abuse," Sgambato's statement read. We vigorously denounce victim blaming. Sexual assault has nothing to do with what someone wears."

She told survivors she believes them and it was not their fault.

More to come ...

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com