June is Pride Month, and yesterday the Delta School District raised a rainbow flag at its board office in Ladner to recognize this global initiative.
“We want to honour the fact that it is Pride Month and reaffirm our commitment to establishing and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students and employees, including those who self-identify as a member of a sexual minority,” said Val Windsor, Board of Education Chairperson.
The District worked with a dedicated group of students and staff to create formal procedures that ensure those who self-identify as a member of a sexual minority (including, but not limited to, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited, queer, pansexual, or who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity) feel safe, included, and acknowledged.
“We continue to seek student and staff input to improve our progress towards providing a safe environment, free from harassment and discrimination and ensuring that sexual minority students, employees and their families are treated with respect and dignity at all times. Yesterday’s ceremony reflects our commitment to the anti-discrimination principles and values contained in the B.C. Human Rights Code, Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” said Doug Sheppard, Superintendent of Schools.
The flag will fly until the end of June.
Please watch this video to see messages from the school district and community, and the flag raising ceremony.
LGBTQ+ Pride is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance.