WARMINGTON: The dress code is considered in light of trans teacher attire

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Kerry Lemieux is free to parachute with Z-cup plastic boobs in 2023, but it was the Halton District School Board’s decision to create a dress code preventing trans shop teachers from wearing controversial outfits that brought her into the spotlight.

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In a major reversal that may have prevented Lemieux from wearing a giant prosthetic breast, the HDSB on January 3 directed staff to develop a dress policy professional standard.

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Since September, Lemieux has been teaching at Oakville Trafalgar High School, wearing retail-bought extra-large breasts with artificial nipples under a tight top, along with supple shorts and a blonde wig. While many students and parents have expressed concern that this is literally making fun of girls and making fun of the educational experience, the board has supported teachers’ right to dress this way.

Until now maybe.

It was decided that the Director (Education Curtis Ennis) develop a professionalism policy that outlines the expectations of the HDSBs from all members of staff, including requirements for maintaining appropriate and professional standards of dress and decorum in the classroom, said a unanimous motion.

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This report is expected to be completed next month. Until then, Lemieux is free to dress as seen in videos and images from inside classrooms, hallways, skydiving, or recently walking in a boot cast on a leg that has sustained an unidentified injury. While instructors were spotted teaching at several other HDSB schools in December, Monday was nowhere to be seen, the first day students returned to class after the Christmas break.

The call for appropriate and professional dress and decorum is a departure from November when Sari Taha, school board supervisor of human resources, warned the adoption of a formal staff dress code or standard of grooming would likely expose the board to considerable responsibility and even if a dress code were implemented to non-discriminatory reasons, is likely to be considered discriminatory if it adversely affects an employee or group or employees based on their code of protection reasons.

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While people around the world laugh, this council does not have an easy answer to this complex dilemma in today’s built society where dealing with complex issues can lead to cancellation, dismissal, or exclusion. Fearing a backlash, the concerned parents formed an anonymous protest group, without giving names.

But, as reported in December by Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley, Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce challenged the board to do something.

I think the bottom line and our position is when the kids are in front of the staff, we expect them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, said Lecce last month. Many families in the community have expressed deep concern with the management of this issue, so we reaffirm our hope, with the school board, as an employer, that they act in the best interest of the children, and that they listen to the voices of the children and the families of the children. the children themselves in various schools.

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HDSB seems to act. But Monday night, Ennis had his doubts.

HDSB’s commitment to human rights remains rooted in our core values ​​and commitment to any student and staff who identify as members of underserved and underrepresented groups, and our approach is informed by opinions from leading employment law firms with human rights and equality . adviser. This commitment and approach will continue to be implemented in line with HDSB’s desire to fulfill this motion, said Ennis.

While Ontario First Students are optimistic the board has taken a positive step in the right direction, and hope the board is serious about introducing professional standards for staff that will serve to improve the group’s situation advises parents to consult, opposing directors and board appear on separate pages.

Meanwhile, until the board elects March 1, all eyes will be on HDSB classrooms to see if Lemieux returns in the outfit that has captured his international attention.