"Catholic teachers, alongside our families, students, and allies in the labour and social justice movements, proudly join 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in celebrating Pride Month this June. As we champion the strength and well-being of these communities, we continue to strongly condemn the surge in discrimination against them across Canada.

Each and every day, Catholic teachers work to create a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We infuse our classrooms and schools with respect and inclusivity, reflecting our faith and the belief that all are deserving of God’s love.

While significant progress has been made, there is still much to be done within the Catholic education community and society at large concerning 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. Catholic teachers are proud of our ongoing role in promoting accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and equity (AIDE), as we challenge homophobia and transphobia alongside intersecting equity issues that impact 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, such as racism, ableism, and sexism.

To continue this progress, we join 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in urging all Catholic school boards to fly the Pride flag throughout June. Displaying the Pride flag is a strong visual representation of our commitment to uphold human rights and a culture of diversity in our schools. It signifies to students, teachers, education workers, families, and the broader community our dedication to creating an inclusive society within our publicly funded Catholic education system and beyond.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we must take meaningful steps toward achieving equity for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. By flying the Pride flag, educating students and ourselves, and raising our voices to call for meaningful change, we affirm our commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments for all."

- René Jansen in de Wal, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association