Public schools to rework dress codes
Public schools should rework dress codes to remove references to girls or boys clothing and nix rules that could single out races, religions or body shapes, the Edmonton public school board says.
The school board voted unanimously Tuesday to encourage school administrators to revise policies with an eye to language that could discriminate against any group of students.
“It shouldn’t say, ‘Now, girls, it’s spring time. Don’t wear tube tops,’” said trustee Bridget Stirling, who introduced the motion.
With the advent of new legislation and new school district policies on safe and inclusive schools, principals across the city need to revise codes of conduct.
Stirling said Tuesday the language of dress codes and their enforcement should focus on encouraging students to make wise choices rather than resorting to punitive measures.
Current dress codes vary. Harry Ainlay High School’s code says clothing should be “suitable for modesty” and not bear images or words that could be perceived as offensive.
Eastglen’s dress code from the 2015-16 school year says clothes should “not be negative toward any group, promote illegal activities, be attention-seeking, offensive or distracting to others.”
Several codes say students will be sent home to change if they are dressed inappropriately and don’t have other garments to cover up.
Two members of the public told trustees Tuesday that some school dress codes use language designed to make girls feel ashamed of their bodies.
Melissa Bovaird told the board schools should teach students to respect other people’s bodies and boundaries at all times, regardless of how they’re dressed.
“Clothing itself isn’t a distraction. It’s the body inside of the clothing that the enforcer of the code is targeting,” Bovaird said. “When we tell girls that their bodies are distracting boys, we are really telling them that a boy’s learning deserves protection over the rights of girls to receive an education.”
Lawyer Laura Schuler, who spoke on behalf of the feminist March on Edmonton organization, urged the board to move away from codes that set different standards for boys and girls, and to consider the context of a society that too often sexualizes girls and blames them for unwanted harassment.
Trustee Shelagh Dunn said the motion is a good reminder about the power of language.
“Historically, only women’s and girls’ dress has been seen to be distracting, and I have always wondered what’s so distracting about clothing, unless it’s beeping or lighting up,” she said.
Superintendent Darrel Robertson said he appreciated any clarity or guidance the board could provide as schools rework their dress codes. The district is preparing a guide to help them update their codes of conduct. He also expects schools will work with students, staff, and families to establish expectations.