‘Dress Code’ Too Vague to Stop Teacher With Oversized ‘Prosthetic’ Breasts, Says Parent

Protesters stand outside of Oakville Trafalgar High School on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. The Epoch Times/Peter Wilson

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.

The Halton District School Board’s draft professionalism policy, which was sent out to parents on Feb. 24, gives only “guiding principles” quoted from already existing policies.

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.”

De Winter is part of a parent group called Students First Ontario formed after a shop teacher at Oakville Trafalgar High School—Kayla Lemieux, formerly Kerry Lemieux—made international headlines starting in September.

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.”

In an email to parents accompanying the draft policy, the school board said, “While these guiding principles exist, this particular policy will consolidate and affirm existing expectations regarding staff professionalism in school settings and at school-based activities.”

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.

At a contentious board meeting open to the public on Feb. 15, parents yelled criticisms at the board for failing to act even as the school has received a string of bomb threats in relation to the teacher throughout the school year.

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.

Three Progressive Conservative MPPs issued a statement Feb. 28 calling on HDSB to take action. “Following numerous threats to Oakville Trafalgar High School, we echo the statement made last week by Education Minister Stephen Lecce, the HDSB has abdicated its responsibility by failing to put the interests and safety of students first.”

Students First Ontario has a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for legal action. It says, “Please help us cover our legal fees as we continue to defend open inquiry, transparency and accountability at the Halton District School Board.”