Male role models are becoming increasingly scarce in Canadian classrooms, and the demographics indicate that the current low numbers will continue to decline. New teachers are quite prepared to take up the pedagogical issues raised by changing standards and a changing demographic; however, the spectre of violence and false accusations adds a level of danger that is truly frightening--the former to female student teachers, the latter primarily to males. It is reported that one in seven male teachers has been falsely accused by students of inappropriate behaviour, and Canadian school systems do not have procedures in place to respond quickly and to protect the reputation of those who are wrongly accused. While the safety of students must be paramount, the rights of teachers need to be protected as well.