BLOOR COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

Janice Gladstone, Vera Babic Todd Bushell

B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc., B.Ed. B.S.Kin., B.Ed. B. Mus., B.Ed., M.S.Ed.
Principal Vice-Principal Vice-Principal

June 7, 2024

Dear Bloor and Alpha II Families,

Normally, on June 1st schools in the TDSB raise the Pride Flag in honour of the start of Pride
Month. I was just informed that the flagpole at our temporary home: Central Technical School
is not working, thus we have been unable to raise the flag. I wanted to take a moment to draw
attention to this issue for two reasons:
1. We care very much about Pride and all it stands for and the missing flag is unintentional.
2. Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity of all kinds in our school, city, country, and
world.
It is important to recall that Pride in Toronto began in the late 1970s as a protest march against
the grievous government-sanctioned and often violent discrimination faced by members of the
2SLGBTQIA+ communities. We have come a long way since that time, but the job is far from
done. There remain many countries where gender and sexual non-conformity are punishable
by death. In our own community, there remains discrimination and violence – particularly
against trans folks – in many forms.
Please take a moment to consider the positive impact on us all of living in a multifaceted society
where diversity is celebrated. This ideal makes it possible for each member of our society to
express all aspects of their identities safely, and with pride.
Sincerely,

Janice Gladstone
Principal

725 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5S 2R5; 416-393-1420