The New Westminster school board paid tribute to Pride Month at its final board meeting of the year last night (Tuesday, June 20).
Schools around the district have been flying the rainbow Pride flag throughout the month of June.
Trustee Cheryl Sluis said the month provides an opportunity to celebrate “the love, diversity and connection of 2SLGBTQ+ people in our communities.”
“It’s also a time of protest against ongoing discrimination, hate and violence against 2SLGBTQ+ people,” she said, noting education is a key part of ending homophobia, transphobia and discrimination.
“Activism takes courage. And we know that many people around the world and in our community are not able to live proudly as I am able to with my partner and my family.
“We can’t be complacent. We should celebrate the love, the victories … But we also need to renew our commitment to fight against fear and violence and for equality, security and freedom from discrimination."
Trustee Danielle Connelly noted she had been “disturbed” to get reports that protesters had planned to come disrupt the board meeting, but that did not happen.
“We were ready to stand united with everybody else here in this room,” she said. “And I know you’re a solid force of solidarity, of what our school district stands for.”
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