A statement from President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton on Pride Month 2019

The pride flag

The pride flagThe following message is issued to the community by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton:

Every June, York University is proud to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA community during Pride Month and join Toronto, Canada and the world in affirming our dedication to building more inclusive communities for all.

We are proud of the University’s long tradition of championing access, equity and diversity through our innovative academic programming, impactful research and engaging creative activities. At York, our commitment to improving access extends beyond our classrooms, studios and laboratories; we are equally committed to providing the resources, services and supportive community that will ensure all students, staff and faculty members feel safe, included and empowered to achieve their full academic and personal potential. I invite you to learn more about the resources that are available to York community members.

Throughout the month, the University will highlight extraordinary individuals from the York community who are making a difference for 2SLGBTQIA communities. Faculty of Education Professor Jen Gilbert’s Beyond Bullying Project is one such example. In understanding the inextricable link between education and social equity, Professor Gilbert worked to set up private booths in schools in Minneapolis, New York and San Francisco where students, teachers and administrators could share stories about their sexuality. The stories collected demonstrate the vital role the education system can play in supporting 2SLGBTQIA youth. Visit about.yorku.ca/pride-month to learn about other York initiatives and events taking place at York and in the community throughout June.

As we celebrate our 2SLGBTQIA community and the tremendous impact they have both on and off York’s campuses, this month also serves as an important reminder of the challenges they have overcome, and the challenges still faced by this community today. Pride Month also reminds us of the role we can play as allies to work toward more diverse, inclusive and accessible higher education.

Happy Pride Month, York!