Waterdown students protest dress code reminder amid sexual assault investigation

Students in Waterdown held a walkout Friday afternoon after a dress code announcement was made just days after police launched a sexual assault allegation at the local high school.

The principal of Waterdown District High School made the announcement Thursday morning reminding students of the dress code policy that says their shoulders and stomachs must be covered.

The announcement came just three days after police revealed they were investigating reports of sexual violence and sexual harassment at the school.

“It almost sounded like they were trying to blame us or blame the girls,” said Taylor Gangaram, a student at the high school.

Students at Waterdown High School walked out in protest this morning. The school made an announcement yesterday (2 days after a sex assault investigation begun) reminding students not to wearing crop tops and tank tops. Many young women are livid. In tears. pic.twitter.com/inNT1zoWww

— Kelly Botelho (@botelhok) October 8, 2021

Gangaram, 17, texted her mother directly after the announcement saying she was upset about the timing of the message. She said she has never had a problem wearing crop tops during her four years at the school.

“I’ve never had an issue with it so I was just confused why now they are bringing it up,” Gangaram said.

Gangaram’s mother, Cari, said the principal told her by phone that the timing was random. But the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) says the announcement was a mistake even though dress code reminders are normal.

“We want to apologize to everyone for the insensitivity of that announcement. It shouldn’t have happened that way. We don’t see any link between appropriate dress and sexual assault,” said Sue Dunlop, Associate Director of Learning Services at HWDSB.

By Thursday afternoon, the principal of the high school, Theresa Sgambato, made another announcement.

“I want to apologize to anyone who attributed this announcement in a way that was not supporting victims,” said Sgambato.

Madison Stainton said the apology is not enough. She dressed in protest Thursday after hearing what happened. “Just to show I don’t think this is right,” Stainton said.

Her friend Sophie Vivian said she doesn’t think the school understands how difficult this is for the girls. “It’s harmful for so many victims and even girls in general,” Vivian said.

Hamilton police confirmed multiple victims have come forward but no arrests have been made.

Police say the person at the centre of the allegations is not in a position of authority.

Sgambato also addressed the assault during her afternoon announcement on Thursday. “This individual is no longer in the building and their identity has been shared with police,” Sgambato said. “This serious allegation did not occur at school.”

An individual who identified themself as one of the victims said part of what happened did occur on school property. They said the principal’s assertion that nothing happened at the school has upset them and triggered others.