Dundalk IT Students’ Union raise the flag at the campus yesterday
Yesterday was a highly significant day in Dundalk IT as students raised a rainbow flag at the front of the campus.
The flag not only serves to show their support for a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming Marriage Equality Referendum on May 22nd but also reminds all students that the campus is a safe place that celebrates the uniqueness of every student.
Before raising the flag, the DkIT Students’ Union set a target of 1,000 signatures to highlight the support throughout the campus for the initiative. This target was surpassed with ease with almost 2,000 signatures secured in just one day.
Speaking at the unveiling of the flag, DkIT Student Union president Brian Fitzpatrick was keen to stress the importance of the gesture. He said: “Equality plays a central part in how we operate in DkIT. I feel that this flag has two importances. Firstly, we hope it will serve as a reminder to staff, students and the local people of Dundalk to get out on May 22nd and vote ‘Yes’ for Marriage Equality. Secondly, it sends out a strong message to all current and prospective students that DkIT is a safe place to be different and to celebrate your uniqueness and be proud of who you are.
“Although the flag has been raised in the run up to the referendum, it will remain in place long afterwards to remind all students, current and prospective, that DkIT is a welcoming campus for all,” said Brian.
Also present at the raising of the flag was John Ruddy from Dundalk Outcomers who spoke of his delight at the new addition to the Dundalk campus.
“We are immensely proud of the DkIT students,” he said.
“This makes a strong statement for the inclusion of all students and support for the more vulnerable ones. We’re delighted with this great show of support for the upcoming referendum. We hope all students across the region will follow the lead of DkIT and use their vote on May 22nd.”
