Transgender Oakville teacher controversy sparks security measures for tonight’s school board meeting
Published March 1, 2023 at 5:36 pm
Attendees at tonight’s (March 1) session of the Halton District School Board (HDSB) will have to sign in and show ID or they won’t be allowed into the meeting.
The measure is one of a series of moves and warnings from the HDSB today ahead of the meeting that’s supposed to deal with issues raised by the attire worn by a controversial Oakville high school teacher since late last year.
The board is, essentially, telling those who attend the meeting to behave themselves.
The meeting is expected to attract a crowd that wants to hear more about plans the board has for implementing a dress code and a code of conduct for teachers and other staff members in the system.
At the centre of the potential policy change is the controversy surrounding the attire worn by a teacher at Oakville Trafalgar High School, an issue that has attracted global attention as well as bomb threats to the school.
Several groups have openly called for sanctions against the transgender teacher whose large breasts, tight clothing and blonde wig they deem to be inappropriate for the classroom.
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The board will be presented with a report on the matter tonight. However, it steers clear of imposing a dress code or potential discipline. Instead, trustees are expected to hear how board staff will continue to investigate the need for a policy and if it has the right to do so.
Last month when the issue was presented at the board, several in attendance disrupted the meeting with angry shouts which led to police ejecting one person from the gallery.
The warnings to those planning on attending tonight’s meeting at the HDSB office, at 2050 Guelph Line in Burlington, were issued via social media throughout the day.
“To help ensure the meeting runs smoothly and efficiently, the public is reminded that observers do not have an opportunity to speak during the board meeting unless they are scheduled to present or delegate,” reads one missive.
Another states, “to ensure the safety of all who attend board meetings, attendees will be required to present identification and sign in to gain access to tonight’s meeting.”
As well, a message sent out on social media states that only 60 people will be allowed into the public gallery on a first-come, first-served basis. The public has also been told to wait outside the board building until doors open when the public session of the meeting begins (around 7 p.m.).
Tonight’s meeting is live-streamed through the HDSB YouTube channel.
The agenda for tonight’s meeting and access to the live stream can also be found here.
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