Dear families,
Please see below a statement provided by the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District Board of Education concerning the hateful targeting on social media of a district employee and our school district.
Statement
Late last week, an employee of the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District became the target of an anti-SOGI social media account. Over the course of this week, this attack broadened to include other district employees and the school district itself.
As the Board of Education for the district, we want to state firmly and unequivocally that this employee has our full and unreserved support. As a board, in line with the provincial joint statement on safe, caring and inclusive schools, we also wish to reaffirm our resolute commitment to fostering and maintaining learning and working environments that are inclusive and respectful of the diverse social and cultural needs of our community.
We know that students and staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, intersex, queer, or questioning face unique challenges within our schools and communities, including being targets for discriminatory behaviours. We want to clearly state that we stand with them and with other marginalized members of our district family. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of hate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic has no place in our schools or in our communities. This commitment is woven into the very fabric of our district and is a living part of the policies, vision, mission, and values that guide our work.
We will continue to uphold our district’s values and policies by nurturing a culture of inclusivity, diversity, equity and care. Our students, our staff, and our school communities deserve no less.
Board of Education
Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District No. 42