A long-awaited professionalism policy meant to address complaints over an Ontario teacher’s controversial attire does not include any explicit mention of dress. Parents who have called for a “dress code” are not satisfied.
For example, it says a teacher should “model positive behaviour” and create a “learning environment free from distractions,” as described in the board’s existing code of conduct. It quotes the Ontario College of Teachers Act regarding being “sensitive to factors that influence individual learning.”
“‘Guiding principles’ are not enough as that leaves room for interpretation. ‘Covering of nipples and genitalia’ as is used in the student dress code would be appropriate and clear, although it seems outrageous that one would have to cite this,” parent Julia de Winter told The Epoch Times. “Some individuals do not understand what is appropriate, which is why we are in this current situation.”
Teacher Speaks Out
The prevailing assumption has been that Lemieux’s very large breasts with protruding nipples are prosthetic, though Lemieux recently told the New York Post they are real. Lemieux told the Post the breasts grew after taking estrogen and may have grown so large because “I have XX chromosomes as well,” as an “intersex,” rather than transgendered person.Lemieux declined to comment when the Post asked about the perennially protruding nipples.
“What is this individual’s strategy around sharing this information now?” de Winter asked. “I’m genuinely surprised that this individual has waited this long to share this information.”
Even if the teacher does not or cannot remove the breasts, the dress code may have some effect. “If a correct, clear, professional attire policy comes through, then I feel that the individual will have to wear professional attire that accommodates their body regardless of shape and size,” de Winter said.
Criticisms of Lemieux’s attire have included that the teacher wears tight shirts making the nipples visible.
De Winter said there should be a clear policy, not a guideline, and that consequences should also be clear. “The employee should not be allowed on work property should they not follow the clear policy—not a guideline.”
Backlash
At a Halton District School Board (HDSB) meeting on March 1, Director of Education Curtis Ennis is expected to present the draft policy and answer questions about enforcement. The draft will be open to public comment until March 12.HDSB spokesperson Heather Francey told The Epoch Times following a Feb. 15 bomb threat, “The HDSB and police continue to work in partnership to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of students and staff.”
At the Feb. 15 meeting, Chair Margo Shuttlesworth asked Ennis to come to the March 1 meeting with more details on enforcement and timelines for implementing the policy. Ennis had said a statutory freeze currently in place due to labour negotiations makes it impossible to implement a new policy immediately.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce has expressed his disapproval of the teacher’s attire and HDSB’s handling of the situation on multiple occasions, including most recently at Queen’s Park on Feb. 21. “It’s unacceptable and an abdication of responsibility of the school board for not defending and upholding the interests of children,” he said, according to the Toronto Star.
