Auckland's Unitec has marked Pink Shirt Day with staff and students donning pink at an event which mixed entertainment with more serious presentations at its Waitakere campus. "One person is not going to get rid of bullying," explains Unitec's Equity and Diversity Manager Matthew Farry. "The only way that we can defeat bullying, is if all of us take a stand. Bullying is something that is not conducive to being the best tertiary education provider we can be," he says. "The Unitec lgbt community needs an identity," continues Shannon Pennefather, President of Unitec's Student Association. "This identity will help to create more awareness, visibility and acceptance. Unitec and the USU have got your back, so let's work together to make this happen." The Association says there was a fantastic turnout at the event, with participation from students, lecturers and administrators. It says the live entertainment and presentations were well received and integrated well into the student life experience. "This is a day to put on the pink and spread the message that none of us at Unitec will stand for homophobic bullying," one of Unitec's Community Skills students, Genesis Bradley expressed.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 18th May 2012 - 2:50pm