Kamloops students get new dress code following controversy over teen’s outfit

KAMLOOPS (NEWS 1130) — The school district for the Kamloops area is changing its dress code, following a controversy where a teen girl was singled out, told by a teacher her outfit was inappropriate, and left school humiliated and in tears.

In February, Karis Wilson, a Grade 12 student at NorKam Secondary, wore a black, lace-trimmed dress over a long-sleeved, white turtleneck and went to school. She said at the time she was told that the dress she was wearing was inappropriate and that it made her teacher — a woman — and a male student uncomfortable because it reminded them of a slip. Wilson said she didn’t even know what a slip was and that she was simply trying to express herself. She felt confident wearing the outfit and it hit hard when she found herself pulled aside.

“I was shocked and I felt sad. I was holding back tears because I was embarrassed and I didn’t want to run back into my class crying,” she said.

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The new dress code, approved by the school board on Monday, means what happened to Wilson should not happen again. Individual teachers are no longer allowed to decide if an item of clothing is appropriate or not.

“The District recognizes that a student’s choice of dress can form an important part of self-identity and that students should be free to dress in a manner of their choosing,” the new code reads.

However, clothing emblazoned with profanity or pornography is not allowed, nor is anything that promotes hatred, discrimination, or illegal activity.

“Students must not wear clothing which undermines the District’s commitment to a safe and inclusive learning environment,” the policy says, before listing groups protected by the B.C. Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

“The wearing of clothing, insignias, symbols or adornments that denigrate or promote hatred of a person or persons, including, but not limited to, clothing that denigrates or promotes hate based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or age.”

The new policy also outlines a process for dealing with violations of the dress code, including the requirement to communicate with students in a way that is “discreet, respectful and clearly references the specifics of the dress code concern.” Teachers must also alert school administrators before speaking to students, and administrators must inform parents or guardians.

“Having students directly involved in the revision of this dress code was an important part of this work,” said Bill Hamblett, Assistant Superintendent in a statement.

“It will also provide principals with the direction they need to ensure the school dress code is current and equitable across the district. ”

The dress code was developed in consultation with students, parents, teachers, administrators, the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre, the School District SOGI Representative, the School District Diversity Student Representative, and the Aboriginal Education Council. It will be reviewed every three years.

With files from David Zura, Denise Wong, Mike Lloyd