Ontario College of Teachers asked to review professional conduct standards after teacher wears large prosthetic breasts in classroom
Ontario’s education minister said he has asked the Ontario College of Teachers to review professional conduct provisions after images circulated online showing a teacher wearing large prosthetic breasts in a classroom.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Stephen Lecce said while the province celebrates differences, it also believes “there must be the highest standards of professionalism in front of our kids.”
“On that basis I’ve asked the Ontario College of Teachers to review and to consider strengthening those provisions with respect to professional conduct, which we think would be in the interest of all kids in Ontario.”
Curtis Ennis, Halton District School Board’s (HDSB) director of education, told CTV News Toronto that the board of trustees passed a motion on Sept. 21 requesting a complete a report “addressing various considerations regarding dress codes” before the end of November.
Little context has been provided for the photos by either the province or the HDSB, who says they can’t speak about them as they're a “personnel matter.”
Images of the employee, reportedly from Oakville Trafalgar High School, have been shared widely on social media over the past few weeks.
In the photos, the individual is wearing large prosthetic breasts, which are covered by clothing, while standing with students.
At least one protest organized by Maxime Bernier, the leader of the People’s Party of Canada, was scheduled over the weekend. The politician said they were protesting against the “hyper-sexualized and grotesque costume” while demanding “action.”
Ennis said that the HDSB is committed to the privacy and confidentiality of its employees and therefore cannot publicly discuss the matter.
“The Halton District School Board continues to handle this matter in a way that stays true to our values and commitment to Human Rights, respects the privacy and dignity of our students and staff, and with the safety and well-being of students and staff as our highest priority,” Ennis said.
Heather Francey, HDSB’s manager of communication and engagement, told CTV News Toronto the board is committed to maintaining a “safe, caring, inclusive, equitable and welcoming” learning and working environment.
“The HDSB recognizes the rights of students, staff, parents/guardians and community members to equitable treatment without discrimination based upon gender identity and gender expression,” Francey said.
The Ontario College of Teachers is an entity that licenses, governs and regulates the teaching profession. According to its website, they have the ability to issue, suspend and revoke teaching certificates, set ethical standards of practice, and investigate complaints about members.
Witih files from Hannah Alberga
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
"It's a bit of a complicated pattern; we've got a lot going on," said Jennifer Smith of the Meteorological Service of Canada in an interview with CTVNews.ca on Wednesday. "[As is] typical with weather, all of these things are related."
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Police tangle with students in Texas and California as wave of campus protest against Gaza war grows
Police tangled with student demonstrators in Texas and California while new encampments sprouted Wednesday at Harvard and other colleges as school leaders sought ways to defuse a growing wave of pro-Palestinian protests.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.