As Grade 12 students, we were extremely pleased to hear of the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board’s new Equity Action Plan released in April 2022. While there have always been board policies protecting students in the LGBTQ2S+ community, the new equity plan shows true progression for our Catholic school board. The plan has given more visibility to minority groups, and has put their safety, comfort, and sense of belonging in the forefront of our minds. With still so far to go, this first step will form a strong foundation for the future of our school community. These are the roots that a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment will grow from.
Some members of the Catholic community have expressed disapproval of the board’s decision to fly the Pride Flag at our schools during the month of June. While we have great appreciation for the church community and faith, as students we will not stand by and allow for this commentary to harm our fellow students or take away from the culture of acceptance that our school is trying to promote. Staff at St. Mary’s have also echoed this sentiment. St. Mary’s High School has worked diligently to create a community oriented around acceptance, and to ensure that all students feel valued in their classrooms. As a Catholic school we value faith, and with such a diverse student community, interfaith respect and common values bind us. As it states in the BGCDSB Equity Action Plan, “We are committed to the life and dignity of the human person. We proclaim the sacredness of each person and recognize that human dignity is innate in all people.”
This June, St. Mary’s High School will be flying the Pride Flag.
Our school's interest falls solely with our students and their wellbeing, and we strive to use our Catholic faith and values to create a space for students to flourish. The concern about upholding a “Catholic” image without considering the serious effects on young people is both unfortunate and disappointing. The act of welcoming people into the Catholic faith, and bringing Catholicism back to its roots of love and acceptance is a necessity that cannot be dismissed or referred to as “childish.” Every student has a right to be seen and to have an opportunity to live up to their full potential. We hope that as our school continues to make progress, we will see more positive responses for such impactful change.
We know many students feel hopeful for the future; we hope that all in our community will come to see the value of happy, healthy youth. Our religious beliefs need to foster the development of accepting and compassionate human beings. This is what it means to be in support of our students here at St. Mary’s. After such a long time of separation, division, and loss endured due to Covid-19, may we all let this year be a time of positive change, growth, and love. It’s time to take a step forward.
Written by a group of Grade 12 St. Mary’s High School students
