Hamilton school board introduces new dress code following student backlash
Posted October 20, 2021 3:14 pm.
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is introducing a new board-wide dress code policy, replacing an old system that has been criticized for being inequitable.
“HWDSB recognizes that we have a responsibility and obligation to provide learning environments that are safe, equitable, welcoming, and inclusive. Decisions about dress reflect individual expression of identity, socio-cultural norms, and economic factors and are personal and important factors to a person’s well-being and health. Students have a right to express themselves,” said the board in a statement.
“Recent events in schools have shown that in the absence of system direction, schools may have been enforcing an outdated dress code in a disproportionate manner that targets female-identified students without considering non-binary views and identities. This is a violation of the Human Rights Code”
The news comes after students at Waterdown District High School were reminded earlier this month to keep shoulders and stomachs covered in accordance to the school dress code. The announcement was made just two days after Hamilton Police said they were investigating several reports of sexual assault and harassment at the school.
The announcement left many students livid and led to a school-wide walkout with many participants choosing to wear crop tops and tank tops. The school later issued an apology in which they denounced victim blaming.
The new policy will also ensure that staff respond to dress code violations in a fair and consistent way.
The board says the new guidelines will be published in students handbooks and online.
Hamilton Police continue to investigate the sexual assault allegations linked to Waterdown District High School and are encouraging survivors to come forward.
