Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean on Pink Shirt Day

Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:

“Today marks the 17th anniversary of Pink Shirt Day, a movement that stands against bullying in all forms. Originating in Canada in 2007, Pink Shirt Day has grown into a global initiative, reaching more than 110 countries last year. It represents our collective commitment to fostering environments of respect, diversity and empowerment.

“2SLGBTQIA+ youth experience bullying at significantly greater rates than their straight and cisgender peers. Our work to further strengthen the department's SOGI Policy is ongoing, reflecting our deep commitment to inclusivity and respect for every individual. Our partnership with the charitable organization ARC Foundation to implement the SOGI 1 2 3 program in our schools is a key component of this work, ensuring that our efforts are informed and effective.

“The right of every Yukoner to be treated with respect is foundational to our work in creating welcoming, inclusive and affirming learning environments. Such environments are crucial for nurturing a sense of belonging, which in turn contributes to enhanced mental health, academic achievement and a greater probability of success in life.

“Safety, respect and inclusion are not goals; they are rights guaranteed to all students and staff in our public schools. These rights are protected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, place of origin, ethnicity, citizenship, religion, age or ability.

“The Safe and Caring Schools Policy reflects our commitment to creating caring, respectful and safe environments. It outlines standards and procedures to mitigate violence, bullying and discrimination, ensuring a robust response to such incidents.

“Recognizing that students may not always voice their experiences of bullying, it’s important to be aware of and responsive to, signs of distress. This includes reluctance to attend school, changes in behaviour, diminished academic performance, and avoidance of social interactions. The rise of cyberbullying means we need to focus our attention on online safety, which is embedded in our curriculum from kindergarten through Grade 12.

“On this Pink Shirt Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to not only combat bullying but to cultivate a spirit of kindness and respect. Together, we can ensure that our schools are places where every student feels safe, respected and included.”