Niagara Catholic District School Board will be flying the rainbow-flag at its headquarters and schools in time for Pride this year.
The decision came after a vote among trustees, that heeded the call from OUTNiagara, a group advocating for LGBTQ-residents in the region, who together with other community groups reached out to the school board with the request.
In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the board said it believes that everyone has an ‘inherent right to dignity and confidence in the knowledge that we are welcomed and accepted.’
‘Yet we know that there are students and staff in our schools who struggle to find a place where they belong,’ the statement continued.
“I am so grateful to my fellow trustees in recognizing the urgency of acknowledging Pride week,” said Trustee Paul Turner.
“Jesus the Good Shepherd loves and cares for all members of His flock. However, He recognizes the marginalized, and when members need extra care.”
“Niagara Catholic has many students, staff and their families who identify as 2SLGBTQ+,” said NDCSB chair Larry Huibers.
“It is not enough to simply tell students and staff who identify as gay, transgender and non-binary that they are loved and supported. Flying the Pride flag is the most universally accepted, visible show of support for all who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and I am extremely proud of the Board of Trustees for supporting the motion to fly the Pride flag during Pride Week in June.”
The decision only covers this year, following a significant number of emails to the board about the issue. Decisions about flag raising in coming years be revisited at a later date.
