June 1, 2021 (Brockville) – June is widely known as Pride Month, and the Upper Canada District School Board will celebrate all month long as we remain committed to supporting our members of the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) community.
“The mission of the Upper Canada District School Board is to prepare all students for a successful life, and we know that students only succeed when they feel safe and respected. This school board takes a strong stance on equity and inclusivity and works diligently to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of our students and staff are protected and respected,” says John McAllister, Chair of the Board of Trustees, adding that the school board recognizes it must engage with communities that have not been historically honoured by the education system in order to truly prepare all students for the successful life they deserve. “All UCDSB schools are safe spaces for students, staff and anyone who identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+. The UCDSB welcomes all families.”
UCDSB educators have been encouraged to take the opportunity to celebrate diversity and engage students in conversations around inclusivity not just this month, but throughout the year. In June, we will continue to showcase student voice and promote awareness to further support and enhance the student experience.
On a long-term, strategic scale, the UCDSB continues to integrate its Equity and Inclusion Plan into its operations and programming, and UCDSB Director Stephen Sliwa says that Pride Month is an opportunity to continue to reflect on our current and future commitments within the school environment.
“When we look back, we’ve witnessed immense growth when it comes to how our school communities acknowledge, celebrate, and support our 2SLGBTQIA+ students and staff,” says Sliwa. “Building a focus that emphasizes dignity and the respect of all persons is at the heart of this work. At the same time, we have to continue to challenge ourselves, at every level of our organization, to raise awareness and engage all equity-seeking groups who are participants in our school programs.”
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For media inquiries, please contact:
April Scott-Clarke
Manager of Communications
Upper Canada District School Board
[email protected]