White Ribbon Campaign promotes a world without gender-based violence

St. Anne’s Upper School students had the privilege of participating in the St. Andrew’s College White Ribbon Campaign assembly.

The White Ribbon Campaign was formed in response to the December 6, 1989, shooting at École Polytechnique in Montreal to raise awareness of the prevalence of male violence against women. For more than 20 years, SAC has participated in the campaign, a worldwide movement that aims to help end gender-based violence. Its mandate encourages men and boys to lead by example, challenging racism, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism. 

The SAS Upper School and Prefects from St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School shared in the St. Andrew’s assembly that challenged students to reflect on their role in creating a safer, more equitable world and empowered them to take meaningful action.

Senior leadership students from SAS and some of St. Mildred’s guests joined the SAC Prefects on stage to light 14 white candles representing the 14 victims of the Montreal Massacre. One by one, the students stepped forward to give their reason for lighting a candle. Following this, St. Andrew’s Prefects, members of their Inter-Faith Council and Social Justice Council, and Student Heads of House shared their pledges to end gender-based violence.

“The students from St. Anne’s and St. Mildred’s need to know that the people in this auditorium will do whatever it takes to end gender-based violence, end the discriminatory practices that target women and visible minorities, to be allies with those who need us and do what we can to offer support, and, perhaps most critically, to treat everyone around us with decency and respect; to be Andreans who do everything with love and charity in their hearts,” said Mr. Dave Stewart, SAC’s Associate Director, Upper School, Student Affairs.