“Catholic teachers join with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, as well as our families, students, and labour and social justice allies, in championing and celebrating Pride Month this June.

Each and every day, Catholic teachers strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all, and to imbue our classrooms and schools with the respect and inclusivity in keeping with our faith and belief that everyone is deserving of God’s love.

And while there is undoubtedly progress still to be made in the Catholic education community – and society more broadly – with respect to 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, Catholic teachers are proud of the role we continue to play in championing accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and equity.

To further the progress we have made, Catholic teachers add the strength of our voice to the call from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, urging all Catholic school boards to fly the Pride flag throughout the month of June. While the vast majority of Catholic school boards in Ontario already fly the Pride flag, there are still a small number that do not.

Displaying the Pride flag outside our schools is a visual representation and indication to students, educators, families – everyone – of our commitment to promoting respect, human rights, and a culture in our schools that celebrates diversity and contributes to creating a more inclusive society. A commitment to fly the Pride flag sends a strong public message that we, as a community of Catholic educators, are committed to supporting and advancing the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ and equity-deserving communities within our publicly funded Catholic education system, and beyond.

Together, as we celebrate Pride Month, we must take meaningful action to realize full equality for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, including by flying the Pride flag, and continue to work toward creating a more equitable and inclusive learning environment in our schools and society.”

Barb Dobrowolski, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association