Amidst fervent objections from concerned parents, a Canadian school board chose to stand behind a transgender teacher who gained attention for her prosthetic breasts.
Kayla Lemieux, an industrial arts instructor at Trafalgar High School in Oakville, Canada, is approximately a year into her transition.
The controversy arose when images of the woodworking teacher, donning form-fitting blouses with sizable prosthetic breasts, circulated on the internet.
Lemieux, a transgender educator, became the target of online ridicule due to images showcasing her prosthetic chest.
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Students captured multiple photographs of Lemieux in form-fitting attire and shared them in posts that sparked outrage among parents and the wider public.
According to the Toronto Sun, some students have allegedly skipped classes led by the teacher, citing concerns after she began transitioning. However, the Halton School Board has stated that they are “standing behind” Lemieux.
Shuttleworth also voiced support for the teacher, expressing disappointment in the way she has been treated and citing the teacher is an extremely effective teacher.
Regarding the teacher, she has not issued any comments on the matter, indicating a preference to maintain her silence and allow the attention to subside.
Despite the controversy surrounding Lemieux, students do acknowledge that the school has a responsibility to safeguard the rights of the teacher.
One student was quoted as saying, “I don’t think the school can fire.”
Another student said, “The kids here most definitely don’t think it’s normal … but realistically we can’t say anything.”
Employment attorney, Sunira Chaundhri, deemed the teacher’s attire “unprofessional” and “clownish”, observing that Lemieux is making a mockery of gender rights versus advancing them.
She is not alone in her assessment. Anthony Fury, the Toronto Sun’s op-ed editor, believes the story has gone viral because the way Lemieux is dressing is “completely inappropriate” and there should be concern.
While the teacher’s story is definitely being met with transphobia online, many have pointed out that this would be inappropriate attire for any teacher or any gender.
Nevertheless, the school board has vowed to create a safety plan for Lemieux, ensuring she is protected and able to continue teaching, in spite of the ongoing protests.
