The Board Chair for the Kamloops-Thompson School District says she expects the dress code policy at NorKam Secondary school will be reviewed in light of new allegations raised by Chris Wilson and his daughter, Karis.

Speaking on NL Newsday, Rhonda Kershaw says the dress code can differ between schools in the district.

“Part of the reason that its done at a school level is so that students can take some ownership in it, and it looks different at every school. It also gives them the opportunity to talk amongst themselves about what do they have for expectations in their schools,” she said.

“If its a district top-down policy, its harder for students to take ownership on it.”

Kershaw adds SD73 has talked about bringing in a district wide dress code policy in the past, noting it might revisit that idea once again.

“Dress codes in general are something that are very problematic because they are often subjective by design. Of course, everyone’s frame of reference is different,” she added. “What might have been acceptable when you or I were in school, may or may not be acceptable now. It’s a difficult topic.”

“I know that many schools struggle to land on that place for dress codes that allow student choice and student freedom, but still given the sense of respect in the building. That has changed so much over time.”

An SD73 administrative policy specifies a number of items of clothing that may not be worn by students. That includes clothes that promote the use of drugs or alcohol, clothes that depict vulgar or sexual language or discriminate against protected groups.

At issue though in particular, is item 1.8 of the SD73 administrative procedure 350.2, which states that school dress codes must consider ‘the wearing of clothing or clothing worn in a way that detracts from the teaching/learning process.’

“It’s not up to the students to be responsible for how other people are feeling about their outfits. If folks are having a response to that, that’s on them to consider and reflect on,” said Alix Dolson, with the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre. “If you’re having a response and sexual thoughts about an outfit like that? There’s some reflection – some critical reflection – needed on the part of those teachers.”

Armed with signs and chants, several dozen students at NorKam Secondary staged a walkout this afternoon in support of Karis Wilson. Wilson says she wants there to be more sensitivity training for teachers across the school district, while also calling for changes to the dress code at NorKam Secondary.

And she told NL News she is nervous about returning to class but adds she has no ill-will towards her teacher, hoping she can ‘learn from her mistake’ moving forward.

Positive Change is coming, says Chris Wilson

Karis’ father, Chris, says he’s confident that positive change is coming. His focus now is making sure that his daughter is comfortable going back to NorKam Secondary.

“We had a great conversation [with the principal and school trustees]. Definitely not coming down on Karis or blaming her or anything, it was a discussion originally based around we understand this happened and a concern for her education,” he told News1130. “She’s not feeling great about going back into class. She’s about three credits away from graduation.”

“We’re working with the school closely to make sure that we can build something that allows for her to complete her schooling.”

He adds he’s pleased efforts are being made to update the dress code at NorKam and other schools across the region.

“[The principal] kind of realized that we needed to bring this in to the next century and it was something that they were looking to do in the near future, so this was something that was kind of already on their plate of, ‘Hey, we should get to this and, unfortunately, it wasn’t in time for this specific incident, but I do see changes coming in the school dress code,” he said.

The district continues to review why the 17-year-old went home in tears Tuesday.

– With files from Marcella Bernardo, News1130