HWDSB to change 'sexist and outdated' student dress code after criticism from students

Hamilton's public school board trustees unanimously passed a motion during a Monday board meeting to revise its dress code by removing "sexist and outdated standards."

The motion, brought forward by student trustees Aisha Mahmoud and Deema Abdel Hafeez, comes after Waterdown District High School faced criticism for issuing an announcement to students on Oct. 7 about dressing appropriately, as police were investigating numerous reports of sexual violence and sexual harassment at the school.

The announcement spurred student protests outside the school and the motion read on Monday.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that our policies do not place blame or undue responsibility on victims of sexual harassment and or sexual assault," said Mahmoud during the meeting.

"We know that victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault often underreport these incidents due to an existing culture that places blame on the victim, and/or a fear of inaction or judgment after reporting an already traumatic experience," added Abdel Hafeez.

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) student trustees said the current dress code "singles out traditionally feminine clothing" creating a sexist double standard.

"The purpose of a student dress code is to ensure a safe school environment, free of systems of oppression, and not to police a student's individual expression or personal choice," Abdel Hafeez said.

Mahmoud added passing the motion is a chance for the board to show it listens to students when they reach out.

'The momentum can't end here'

Trustee Maria Felix Miller, who sponsored the motion along with Trustee Penny Deathe, said she's concerned about how the policy is being enforced.

"Some students have been stigmatized versus other students and repeatedly discriminated against. I also just know our administrators and staff have a lot on their plate and I think we can do better for them and give them more clarity and better tools with which to set school culture," Miller said.

Deathe said what she heard from students protesting was "heartbreaking" but their efforts were "incredible."

"These courageous students had taken the time to listen, meet with staff, to learn, to reflect and just, were very, very thoughtful and made a commitment to be part of the solution," she said. "I saw true leadership and I'm so proud they came forward and unfortunately, it had to be where they had to raise their voices to get our attention."

She added a dress code review is "long overdue."

As a short-term fix, HWDSB associate director of learning services Sue Dunlop said the school board has been working on messaging for school administrators and staff and families with updated guidelines on the student dress code. They were expected to get the updated guidelines Tuesday.

The long-term fix will have staff revise the dress code and return to trustees with an update at a later date.

Mahmoud said the motion is the just the start to creating change.

"The momentum can't end here. We went into tonight's meeting with an outcome in mind, but there are so many perspectives and experiences we need to consider in this conversation around student dress policies," she wrote on Twitter after the board meeting.

Resources for sexual assault survivors and their families include:

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-688-6868 or text 686868 or kidshelpphone.ca.
• Children's Aid Society: (905) 522-1121 (intake) or hamiltoncas.com.
• Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton (SACHA) – Crisis Line (905) 525-4162 or sacha.ca.
• Tips from the public school board for adults supporting children after a distressing event.