DISPLAY OF PRIDE
Rainbow flag raised for Pride Month at district center
LANSDALE >> A new set of colors now flies above the North Penn School District’s Educational Services Center.
District and community officials took part in a ceremony Thursday, June 17 raising a rainbow Pride flag on a flagpole above the district offices.
At the ceremony, school board member Jonathan Kassa read the following statement, provided afterward by the district:
“During LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. In doing so, they are opening hearts and minds, and laying the foundation for a more just and equitable America. This Pride Month, we, the North Penn School Board, affirm our obligation to uphold the dignity of all people, and dedicate ourselves to protecting the most vulnerable among us.”
“As we take time this month to recognize Pride Month, we also recommit ourselves to fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and a more just society for all. The LGBTQ community and allies use the Rainbow Flag as an outward symbol of their identity or support. We want to ensure our community is a leader in the fight for equal rights, and that we will continue to protect and expand the rights of everyone in our schools.”
“... It is about showing that we as a school board
are inclusive, accepting, supporting and caring of all our students — no matter your gender, sexual orientation, race, color, religion or language — we SEE you, we HEAR you and you have the right to be educated and trained in this school district, and to feel safe. You matter to us.”
“... It is long past time we recognize the struggle and honor the sacrifice of so many Americans who’ve helped make this country great. The shift in our culture, to more inclusivity and acceptance, especially toward those who’ve been historically marginalized, is remarkable. There is a long way to go, much work to be done and many who argue change is not coming fast enough, but change is coming. That change should be embraced and it should be celebrated in every community across this great land, just as it is celebrated here tonight, in North Penn.”