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CHAUDHRI: Halton District School Board Missed Dress Code Point

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Oakville Trafalgar High School teacher Kayla Lemieux has been the subject of outcry after a viral video of her wearing an oversized breast implant while teaching a shop class.

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One argument is that Lemieux’s prosthetics are too sexual for the school environment. and express yourself in the way you see fit.

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The Halton District School Board has issued a report on the matter, stating that “enforcement of formal staff dress codes or grooming standards is likely to expose the board to considerable liability.”

I simply disagree.

Turning first to the shortcomings of the report, despite its stated intent to determine “whether imposing a dress code for staff is permissible from the standpoint of labor and employment law,” I have not consulted a legal expert on this matter.

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A report prepared by the Director of Human Resources and Director of Education, with reference to the Ontario Commission on Human Rights, supports the finding that the dress code is fraught with legal risks. In fact, the commission devotes a significant portion of its website to removing sexual and gender-specific dress codes in the workplace.

An image of a transgender Oakville Trafalgar High School teacher has gone viral on social media.
A transgender Oakville Trafalgar High School teacher operates a machine during class in a video posted on social media. Photo by screenshot /twitter

The commission’s website states that “the sexual dress code reinforces stereotypical and sexist notions about women.” Specifically, the commission cited a CBC Marketplace study of restaurants whose dress code “requires female waiters to wear short skirts, tight dresses, high heels and low-cut tops.”

As a woman, I think oversized artificial breasts reinforce stereotypes and sexist notions about women, especially in school settings.

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As a professional, you must follow the dress code. To appear in court before a judge, you must wear a robe, vest, trousers or skirt, coat her shirt, and tab. Even with Zoom courts on the rise, there are still dress and etiquette protocols.

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For example, in the Zoom Courtroom in Toronto, attorneys are expected to wear “neutral, sober or plain business attire” even if they are not expected to wear robes. Despite the fact that you are on your feet, you still need to “dress properly below the waist” in case you suddenly have to stand up.

Although the robe requirement can sometimes feel excessive (especially in the summer and during pregnancy), it was intended to provide a level playing field for parties to argue in court. At the very least, a lawyer’s robe is a sign of professionalism and respect for his peers.

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The Halton District School Board recognizes that professionalism is a key tenet in the workplace.

Kayla Lemieux, a transgender shopkeeper at Oakville Trafalgar High School, was filmed in a theater in the Halton area.
Kayla Lemieux, a transgender shopkeeper at Oakville Trafalgar High School, was filmed in a theater in the Halton area. Photo by supply

I don’t think it’s productive to give an opinion on individual choices and how they present themselves to the world, but leaders are highly expected to be professional in the workplace. can be evaluated.

After all, teachers are Canada’s most important people leaders. our youth. Many industries require a dress code. We rarely blame airlines, restaurants or retailers for imposing a dress code on their employees.

The Halton District School Board, like all employers, is free to impose a reasonable dress code.

Having trouble at work? Maybe I can help! Email us at sunira@worklylaw.com. Your question may be addressed in a future column.

The content of this article is general information and not legal advice.

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CHAUDHRI: Halton District School Board Missed Dress Code Point

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