Dress Code

To promote a positive learning environment in school consistent with the values of the HDSB and T.A. Blakelock High School and to ensure a safe and inclusive learning and working environment for all students, staff and the community, regardless of their race, age, ability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, socio-economic circumstances, or body type/size.

Dress codes must be presented in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes. We believe students have a right to learn in a safe and caring space that is free of bias and discrimination, and that students have a right to respectfully express their individuality. To ensure our learning environments are safe and respectful spaces, our Board has adopted a shared set of standards for student dress as detailed in the Administrative Procedure: Student Dress Code.


  • All students should be able to dress for school without fear of unnecessary discipline, body shaming, bias or discrimination.

  • Individuals are responsible for managing their own personal biases, behaviours and or perspectives/opinions (“distractions”) related to others’ choices of clothing.

  • All students are treated equitably regardless of their race, age, ability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, socio-economic circumstances, or body type/size.

  • Students have a right to wear clothing of their choice that expresses their self-identified gender. Students have a right to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.

  • The goal of the T.A. Blakelock High School dress code is to be enforced in a manner that does not result in unnecessary barriers to school attendance

  • Courses that include attire as part of the curriculum (for example, public speaking and job readiness ie: Cooperative Education) may include assignment-specific dress. T.A. Blakelock High School is aware that there may be diverse culturally-specific attire that would also meet the requirements of a course.

  • T.A. Blakelock High School will maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or support clothing is required: for example, activity-specific shoe requirements are permitted (e.g., athletic shoes for Physical Education, Technology Studies Courses)

  • T.A. Blakelock High School students may not wear clothing that display (but are not limited to) the following: images, logos or language that portray ethnic prejudice, racism, sexism, vulgarity, gang-related markings, obscenities, profanity, hate speech, and/or pornography.

  • T.A. Blakelock High School students may not wear clothing or accessories that denote, suggest, display or reference alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia, or other illegal conduct or activities.

  • T.A. Blakelock High School students may not wear clothing that exposes or makes visible genitals and nipples.