June is Pride Month, and the Delta School District is raising rainbow flags this week at the two administrative buildings in Ladner to recognize this global initiative.
“We want to honour the fact that it is Pride Month and reaffirm our longstanding commitment to establishing and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students and employees,” says Laura Dixon, Board of Education Chairperson.
The District has been at the forefront in creating language in its 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, transsexual, two-spirited, queer, pansexual, or who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity) feel safe, included, and acknowledged.
Adds Superintendent Doug Sheppard, “We recognize the need to provide a safe environment, free from harassment and discrimination, while ensuring that sexual minority students, employees, and families are treated with respect and dignity at all times.”
Says Dixon, “Delta School District has a long history of supporting students and staff in our LGBTQ+ communities, and by raising these symbols of advocacy and inclusion, the District hopes this reaffirms its 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.”
The flag at the Delta School Board Office was raised on June 5th, and a second Pride flag will be raised at Delta Manor Education Centre on Thursday, June 6th. The flags will fly for one week.
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.
This year Pride is being celebrated in 174 cities in 46 countries worldwide, marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
SOURCE: https://pride.google/