This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
The University of Lethbridge is proud to celebrate Pride Month under the theme of Solidarity, Strength and Community. This year’s theme is very intentional and important to recognize the diversity of our community, especially in times with continued polarization on gender and social justice issues. As an institution whose motto is Fiat Lux, we can be a beacon of hope to our community by showing that we are better together. We demonstrate this best by fostering a campus culture that is supportive, connected and welcoming — helping students, faculty and staff thrive in their roles. Throughout Pride Month and beyond, ULethbridge will continue to build safe and inclusive spaces where we can celebrate and honour the many voices of our 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty.
Pride month is a celebration of the diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, an acknowledgement of 2SLGBTQ+ history, and a continued recognition of the achievements of queer and trans individuals and groups. Take some time to check out the Pride Month web page and the many activities taking place this month, including our Progress Pride Flag raising event on June 19. It’s a time to re-examine our personal and collective commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to engage in celebration of those ideals while also raising awareness of the vital work that remains in the fight for the rights of all queer and trans individuals.
ULethbridge cannot negate the deep responsibility it holds to challenge and change attitudes and shift the culture of exclusion. We educate, we broaden perspectives, and we inspire generations of students to speak out against social injustice towards marginalized groups — their actions and their message growing organically throughout society as the changemakers of tomorrow.
What can we do as a collective and what can you do personally to make our campus inclusive and better for all? It starts by creating spaces for brave conversations to discuss and address the systemic inequities that impact the lives of the ULethbridge 2SLGBTQ+ campus community.
It continues in our everyday actions, or with physical signs and symbols showing 2SLGBTQ+ communities that they are in a safe place. It is using pride flags, buttons or posters and utilizing language and behaviours that affirm a person’s identity and autonomy. It is learning and using a person’s preferred name and recognizing some individuals utilize different pronouns and respecting that choice. It is calling out behaviours and becoming an active ally.
Doing the work by taking time to listen, educating ourselves and those around us, and speaking out against the discrimination and exclusion of queer and trans folks engages everyone in meaningful and active allyship.
Our work towards creating a truly safe campus space for everyone is ongoing and with each day, each student, each graduating class, each staff and faculty member, we are helping to create the culture shift we all seek. This is why this year we are pleased to announce our first 2SLGBTQ+ scholarships which will allow us to, yet again, remove barriers for all students.
As we recognize Pride Month, and celebrate the strides that have been made, it is important to remember how much farther we must go to achieve a society that is truly just and accepting of all. Together, in solidarity and community, we build a stronger today and tomorrow.
Martha Mathurin-Moe
Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Mike Mahon
President & Vice-Chancellor
Contact:
Martha Mathurin-Moe | edi.office@uleth.ca | ulethbridge.ca/equity-diversity-inclusion/pride