Powell River Board of Education accepted BC lieutenant governor Janet Austin’s #DifferentTogether pledge by endorsing a formal motion to oppose hate and racism in all its forms.
“The Powell River Board of Education embraces diversity and we believe that all individuals deserve the same rights and responsibilities to be who they are without judgement or mistreatment due to their religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, 'diversability', skin colour or heritage,” said board chair Aaron Reid.
She said current protests in the United States and Canada have brought the impacts of racism and discrimination to the forefront, including in BC and Powell River.
Racism has no place in our society and schools, and yet subtle and blatant racism continues, according to Reid. Everyone deserves to live, work and learn in environments where all individuals are accorded respect and dignity, she said.
“Diversity strengthens our communities and we must act and work together to promote anti-racism and inclusion,” added Reid. “As part of that action, the #DifferentTogether pledge is a commitment that the board will speak up and oppose racism and hate in all its forms. Children are not born with hate, bigotry or racism in their soul. They learn it.”
Superintendent of schools Jay Yule acknowledged there is more listening, learning, reflecting and action to be done in the school district as it strives to be a welcome, safe and inclusive place for all students, staff and families.
The lieutenant governor’s pledge states:
“Our BC is inclusive and respects people of all ethnicities, cultures and faiths and their contributions to our collective well-being.
“Our BC holds diversity as a fundamental value at the heart of the success, strength and resilience of our communities, workplaces, schools, public and private institutions.
“I pledge to uphold and promote these values and I commit to speaking up to oppose racism and hate in all its forms.”
Austin stated on her website that over the past few months, British Columbians have pulled together to vanquish COVID-19, and many acts of kindness and selfless generosity have been witnessed.
“Sadly, however, our success has been marred by recent incidents of race-based violence and discrimination,” stated Austin. “I strongly condemn these racist acts; they have no place in our province or our country. I ask you to join me, alongside leaders in government, business and social services, in pledging to uphold the Canadian values of diversity and inclusion and to oppose racism and hate in all its forms. We are stronger when we are #DifferentTogether.”
The board encourages others to take part in the #DifferentTogether pledge.
ltgov.bc.ca/blog/equality-and-inclusion/differenttogether-join-me-in-opposing-racism/
