A rainbow-coloured Pride flag will fly high over Lethbridge College for the next week, as the institution celebrates Lethbridge’s 2017 Pride Fest.
This is the second year that the college has raised the rainbow flag as a show of support for Lethbridge’s LGBTQ+ community and as an indicator of the college’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The college will also be incorporating the Pride flag into its logo on its major social media accounts.
“We truly believe that everyone is equal, regardless of gender or sexual identity,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “Last year, I had the honour of raising the Pride flag for the first time in the college’s history and I am pleased to say this is now a tradition that demonstrates our spirit of inclusivity and acceptance.”
The six-colour rainbow pride flag has been a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community since originating in the 1970s in northern California. The six colours of the flag represent life, healing, sun, nature, harmony and spirit. Lethbridge College is joining a variety of other local institutions, including the City of Lethbridge and the University of Lethbridge, in flying the flag during this year’s Lethbridge Pride Fest, which runs from June 16 to 24.
“Lethbridge is a unique, diverse city, reflected not only by our community spirit, but also that we have two post-secondary institutions,” says Devon Hargreaves, chair of Lethbridge Pride Fest. “Lethbridge College has been a long-time supporter of Lethbridge Pride, and we're honoured to call them an ally. We're excited that they're raising the Pride flag yet again, reflecting the inclusivity of their staff, students and community.”
Lethbridge College has teamed up with the OUTreach Southern Alberta Society to offer LGBTQ Awareness and How to Be an Ally training sessions for college employees and has an LGBTQ+ student group.
The college also has a Respectful Campus Policy and a Student Non-Academic Code of Conduct Policy, as well as a new Sexual Violence Prevention and Response policy that clearly define principles and standards that support a respectful campus environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence. Lethbridge College has a staffed on-campus health clinic and provides 24/7/365 counselling and support for all its students to ensure that members of the campus community have access to considerable mental, physical and sexual health resources.
“We are committed to providing support and services that make all of our students and employees feel safe and welcome,” says Dr. Burns. “We are very proud of our inclusive environment and we want everyone associated with the college to share in that pride, especially during this week of celebration and excitement throughout the city.”
The Pride flag will fly in place of the college’s flag, alongside the flags of Alberta and Canada, outside of the college’s main entrance.