For immediate release

February 24, 2011

Kwantlen Polytechnic University and students fight back against homophobia

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) A new initiative at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is fighting back against homophobia to create a more inclusive campus for all students. 

Positive Space Kwantlen aims to increase support and awareness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and issues on all four Kwantlen campuses. The campaign will help create an open and inclusive university community that values and supports sexual and gender diversity; furthermore, it advocates a learning atmosphere that is free of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientations and gender identities.

Positive Space Kwantlen is a joint effort between Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA) and Pride Kwantlen. On February 22, the program officially kicked off with an event that included informative presentations and the unveiling of the Positive Space logo to all Kwantlen students, staff, faculty, and members of the greater community.

"LGBTQ students are largely invisible at Kwantlen. This campaign is the first step in addressing that and creating a long-term positive change," said KSA Queer Liaison Matthew DiMera."

The new initiative will train volunteers, identify LGBTQ-positive spaces and resources, facilitate campus workshops on issues relating to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and conduct awareness and publicity campaigns.

“This is an important initiative in building an inclusive community at Kwantlen,” comments Jody Gordon, associate vice president, students. “We are pleased to be partnering with our student association in support of our LGBTQ students, staff and faculty.”

The Positive Space campaign is part of Kwantlen’s long-term commitment to creating and maintaining a respectful work and learning environment for all of its students, staff and faculty.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information, visit: kwantlen.ca
Read all Kwantlen news and releases: kwantlen.ca/news

For more information about Positive Space Kwantlen, contact:
Jody Gordon
Associate Vice President, Students
Tel: 604.599.3050
jody.gordon@kwantlen.ca

Matthew DiMera
Queer Liaison, Kwantlen Student Association
queer@kusa.ca

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca