June 17th, 2016

The Waterloo Region District School Board is profoundly saddened by the recent tragedy in Orlando, Florida. The loss of 49 lives to this hate motivated crime that specifically targeted the LGBTQ+ community highlights the importance of our collective efforts in eliminating discrimination, elevating our commitment to protecting human rights and working towards safe and healthier communities.

As a large educational system and educational community, we are affected by this tragic event in many ways. We are especially mindful of the impact this event has on LGBTQ students and staff, families and allies.

On Thursday, June 16, a pride flag will be raised to half-mast at the Education Centre in a ceremony that will include a moment of silence.  The raising of the flag is to symbolize our acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community.  The flag will continue to fly for the month of June.  Canada’s first-ever Pride Month was launched on June 1, 2016.

SJAM and many other WRDSB schools have also lowered our flags to half mast this week to honour the lives lost the past weekend.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who were impacted by this tragic event.

Categories: News