In recognition of International Women’s Day, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is calling for an end to sexualized dress codes that discriminate against female and transgender employees. The OHRC makes the call in a policy position on gender-specific dress codes released today.

“Employers must make sure their dress codes don’t reinforce sexist stereotypes,” said OHRC Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane. “They send the message that an employee’s worth is tied to how they look. That’s not right, and it could violate the Ontario Human Rights Code.”

While International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, unequal treatment is still a daily challenge. This treatment is often visible in bars, restaurants and other services that require women to dress in high heels, tight dresses, low-cut tops and short skirts. These dress codes persist across the restaurant industry, despite human rights decisions that have found them to be discriminatory. They may make employees more vulnerable to sexual harassment, contribute to discriminatory work environments and exclude people based on sex, gender identity or expression and creed.

“Excellent customer service doesn’t have a cup size,” said Kathy Laird, Executive Director of the Human Rights Legal Support Centre. “I hope women will call us for legal help if cleavage is deemed an essential skill in their workplace.”

The OHRC provides resources and policy guidelines on human rights and dress codes online.

People who believe that their workplace’s dress code or uniform discriminates against them can use their internal complaints process or file an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). To get legal advice and help in filing applications at the HRTO, contact the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC). The HRLSC provides free legal services to people facing discrimination.

Discriminatory dress codes are just one area where there is a significant risk of discrimination. The OHRC continues to work on other issues facing women and transgender people in Ontario. Go to our website for information on the OHRC’s work on sexual and gender-based harassment, violence against Indigenous women (including our call for an inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women) and pay equity.

See also:

• Sexual harassment and sex discrimination at work
• Eliminating discrimination to advance the human rights of women and transgender people

The access to Building B, North Campus will be temporarily restricted starting Tuesday, March 8, 2016 through to fall 2016.

The ground floor of Building B will have hoarding in place, with the vestibule entrance closed and the corridors on B ground floor will be closed beyond the elevator and washrooms. Please refer to the following diagram to see new entrance points.

1. Pedestrians coming from parking lot 13/14 will be asked to use the courtyard entrance between buildings B and C or enter through Athletics.
2. Pedestrians coming from parking lot 13/14 can continue to access B building 2nd and 3rd floor using the southern-most entrance (non-vestibule doors) on the parking lot side of the building.
3. Pedestrians coming from D building can still use the B ground floor washrooms and elevator access and the stairs to the 2nd and 3rd of B building.  

Please note: B101 (old governors) boardroom is still accessible for any meetings and events.

The School of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism was represented well at the 2015 Restaurants Canada Show, which took place from Sunday to Tuesday this week.

The Humber Food Truck was a big hit at the Ontario Pavilion in the Enercare Centre, handing out healthy samples and partnering with Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. Our smoothie bar was also on hand featuring our Nutrition students!

Several student competitions and demonstrations were organized throughout the event involving culinary and baking students. They did an amazing job showcasing their skills and talents!

Our Humber Olympic Culinary and Baking & Pastry teams entered the Culinary Salon and came home with a silver and two bronze medals. 

It was an amazing three days for the School of HRT and Humber College overall and will be featured in the event again next year.