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International Day of Pink – April 10, 2024

On April 10, HWDSB will celebrate the International Day of Pink, an occasion that holds significant importance in our ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive and respectful environments within our school communities and workplaces.

This initiative began in 2007, when two Grade 12 football players, David Shepherd and Travis Price, witnessed a Grade 9 student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. The student was threatened and called homophobic slurs. In response, Shepherd and Price took a stand against bullying by buying and distributing 50 pink shirts to their peers, encouraging them to wear the shirts the following day in an act of solidarity.

Their initiative spearheaded an international campaign where students, staff, and community members wear pink shirts to take a stand against homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying. We appreciate students, staff, and community members for considering wearing pink this April 10. It is important that we work together to support our marginalized communities while fostering a culture of care, kindness and inclusion within our schools and workplaces.

While significant progress has been made since 2007, it is important to acknowledge that students, staff, and community members who identify as Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ still face systemic barriers, bullying, and discrimination. Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia still exist in our communities and schools, and we need to work together to create safe and inclusive spaces where everyone is welcomed and celebrated. Efforts like the International Day of Pink are crucial as they help spread awareness and validate identities.

This year marks the first time that HWDSB is recognizing International Day of Pink within our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, with a new mission to ensure everyone in our school communities experiences a sense of belonging. This mission is supported by new Strategic Directions, including one that prioritizes upholding Human Rights, Safety & Well-being. This means that HWDSB remains committed to supporting all students and staff in feeling safe and secure within our classrooms and school communities.

International Day of Pink celebrates allyship and those who stand up against discrimination and hate directed at Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities. While these acts of support are a good start, we must ensure that we continue to foster inclusive, welcoming, and supportive spaces where everyone can be their authentic selves. This requires engaging in meaningful conversations with students, staff, and community members about how these spaces can be created and grown.

As we approach International Day of Pink, let us work together in sharing our commitment to our new mission and the principles outlined in HWDSB’s Human Right Policy. Together, let’s strive to create environments where everyone feels valued, supported and free from discrimination and harassment.

Thank you for your continued dedication to building a more inclusive and supportive community.

Resources:

• Day of Pink Website
• Bullying Prevention
• Safe Schools
• New Brunswick LGBTQ Inclusive Education Resource
• Draw-The-Line Against Transphobic Violence in Schools