Wear A Pink Shirt on April 14th (Equity and Women's Services)

You may have received a message similar to this via email, Facebook, Twitter, or even the newspaper. When a bullying incident took place in Nova Scotia, students took action, as students historically have to address all kinds of social justice issues. The organization Jer’s Vision: Canada’s Youth Diversity Initiative was  formed as a national response to bullying. Among its initiatives is the International Day of Pink (celebrated the second Wednesday in April),  an international day against bullying, discrimination, and homophobia, by encouraging everyone to wear pink. It is a simple act with a powerful message. ETFO members  like Sheri Birch (Simcoe County) and Ron Vine (Hamilton- Wentworth) heard the call and organized.  Ron’s  and Sheri’s whole schools responded by wearing pink shirts.

ETFO has also heard the call and will support the International Day of Pink and  Jer’s Vision.  Watch for materials and resources that will be sent to your school early in the new year. There are many “days” to be commemorated in a year; for example, International Women’s Day, World AIDS  Day, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. While it is important to recognize these days, it is vital to work at social justice all of the other days of the year. So let’s wear pink on April 13,  2011.  But the next day if  we hear the derogatory phrase, “That’s so gay,” let’s do something about it, even though the pink shirt is tucked away in a drawer.