Students at a high school in Ottawa protested after teachers and staff reprimanded students inappropriately, which the students said made them feel insulted.

This behavior at the "Béatrice-Desloges" Catholic Secondary School in Orléans on Thursday sparked immediate anger among parents and students, who said the measures crossed the line and seemed to target female students only.

"Sophie Labbée" was one of the students who was called out of class because of her clothing.

She said a teacher told her that her outfit was too short, approaching her in an inappropriate manner, pointing out, "If it is any shorter, it is inappropriate," which led to her anger and informing her family about the matter.

This behavior did not only anger "Sophie" but all students and their families, leading the school to receive complaints regarding this issue.

The French Catholic School Board said in a statement that it takes complaints and allegations concerning the approach taken to remind students of the school's dress code "very seriously."

The board stated that the education supervisor "Jason" and the executive director of human resources "Laurie-Eve Bergeron" met with several students and staff at the school on Friday morning to discuss the matter.

"These meetings will shed light on the events so that measures can be taken to prevent this type of situation from happening again."

"CECCE" says the board and the school "will continue the dialogue" with the school community to address concerns about dress code and "ensure a positive, healthy, and safe learning environment for all students."

Students demonstrated on Friday through a march between a nearby park and the school, many of them wearing shorts in protest.

Students held signs in French that read "Why only the girls?" They planned an additional strike next Tuesday.

One parent "in shock" said the mother of "Stéphanie Lalonde" said her daughter in grade 11 was not among those chosen because she was wearing a jacket, but she is still affected by the event.

"I was in shock. It made me think of the 1950s," she said. "I am angry because they were asked to bend over and be measured; I have no words to describe this behavior."

Thursday was the hottest day of the year in Ottawa so far, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius.

Lalonde said: "They must be able to wear comfortable clothes for the weather." "I am very proud of the students for their stand and protest."

The school dress code states that students must come to school with clean, decent, and appropriate clothing among other things. Clothes must be free of vulgar or offensive words and also states that pants, skirts, or shorts must be "of appropriate length (mid-thigh) and worn so that underwear is not visible."

The dress code also states that shirts must cover the entire upper body and shoulders with appropriate width.

The school board supervisor said the board received "many emails" on Thursday about this issue from parents and that they will attend a meeting with staff and students to investigate.