Everyone is encouraged to wear pink shirts on Feb. 23 to demonstrate their stand against bullying and discrimination of all kinds
Hello everyone,
As many of you are aware, Pink Shirt Day is an initiative to combat bullying by celebrating diversity, promoting positive social relationships, and encouraging people to stand together against bullying.
Pink Shirt Day originated in Canada in 2007 when two students in Nova Scotia, David Shepherd and Travis Price, took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new Grade 9 student was harassed and threatened for wearing pink. The students organized dozens of schoolmates to wear pink in a visible show of support for the bullied student.
Growing up I was no stranger to the impacts of bullying. My family members and I were often ridiculed for being of Métis descent and were called derogatory and racist names that I will not repeat. I was also a figure skater and homophobic slurs were common to boys who engaged in the sport. In fact, I ended up dropping out of figure skating at age 16 due to the pressures I felt from other kids and their name-calling.
I know that I certainly would have appreciated a concerted show of support like the one that sparked the initial Pink Shirt Day and I encourage you all to wear pink on Wednesday, Feb. 23 to demonstrate your own stand against bullying and discrimination of all kinds.
I should mention also that Pink Shirt Day has evolved beyond just the anti-bullying message to a celebration of diversity and recognition of the need for greater acceptance, respect and inclusion for everyone. This is intrinsically tied to our commitment to ensuring we do all that we can to recognize the unique experiences, viewpoints, and identities of every member of our community and beyond at JIBC. We want everyone to have fair access to participate and succeed in all that JIBC offers—providing a campus where all people are welcomed, respected, and feel that they belong.
To that end, I invite you to attend the online event being organized by the Office of Indigenization featuring Andrew Caldwell presenting “Two Spirit: Cultural Reclamation and Creating Positive Spaces” on Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. We recognize that Indigenous Peoples and Two-Spirit People experience a higher-than-average level of bullying and discrimination. Increasing awareness and building positive relationships are part of the path to changing that at JIBC and in our communities.
In solidarity,
Michel
Dr. Michel Tarko
JIBC President and CEO