Greater Victoria School District Board trustees voted to further study a motion on Monday night that would have put an end to dress codes for students at its 47 schools.
The motion recommended by staff said that all clothing worn “must demonstrate support for the B.C. Human Rights Code.”
And that “the school code of conduct won’t include any other statements regarding expectations of dress.”
Trustees opted instead to send it back to committee for further review and it will be discussed again at a later date
“When you put effort on a motion and it doesn’t pass, its always a little disappointing,” said trustee Jordan Watters who brought forward the motion.
“I trust the process here so I know we’re going to go back and have more conversations and its going to come forward again and I intend to keep following this issue until its resolved.”
For the time being, dress codes will not be strictly enforced within the board until the matter is settled.
“Our Superintendent of Education will be in touch with all of our administrators throughout the school district and just letting them know that we’ve had some of the discussions,” said Board Chair Edith Loring-Kuhanga.
“And to be careful on the enforcement while its going through the process.”
Dress codes have been criticized for disproportionately restricting the kinds of clothing female students can wear.
Ben O'Hara
