MATC To Raise Pride Flag at Campuses in Recognition of Pride Month_Monday, June 10, 1 p.m.

On Monday, June 10, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) will raise the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag in recognition of Pride Month. The flag will fly beneath the American flag and the Wisconsin State flag through June 30.

A flag-raising ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 10 at the MATC Oak Creek Campus, 6665 S. Howell Avenue. A flag will be raised simultaneously at the college’s Downtown Milwaukee and Mequon campuses. Construction at our West Allis campus is temporarily preventing flying any flags.

“It is important that our community is seen, heard and valued and that we are an important fabric not only in the MATC community, but in the country,” said Sara Cappaert, co-leader of the LGBTQ+ & Allies employee affinity group. “This is a historic moment for the LGBTQ+ community and is a significant step toward ensuring the college continues to reflect the diversity of our community regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

This initiative was led by the LGBTQ+ & Allies employee affinity group, and the Rainbow Alliance student organization. Those entities serve as the cornerstone and resource for MATC’s LGBTQ+ & Allies students, faculty and administration, as well as their allies. The group provides a safe space for support, community, advocacy and belonging. The Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag was chosen because it serves as the most inclusive and up-to-date LGBTQ+ flag.

“MATC is one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, so we proudly support our student body who were the key drivers of this initiative,” said Michael Rogers, MATC interim vice president, diversity, equity & inclusion. “We express our commitment to equity and inclusion by affirming all intersections of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.”

“As both alumni and a staff member, I cannot express how proud I am for being part of MATC and for having the opportunity to contribute to this historical moment,” said Peter Couto, co-leader of the LGBTQ+ & Allies employee affinity group. “But it takes a village! I want to sincerely thank the many students, staff members, instructors, administrators, and our Board of Directors for coming together in making this moment happen. As the flag waves in our campuses, the message is clear: we recognize, welcome, and value the diversity and differences of all people in our community.”

MATC Pride Raising Ceremony  

WHAT:           Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag Raising Ceremony

WHO:            MATC’s LGBTQ+ & Allies

Rainbow Alliance student organization

Chris Larson, Wisconsin State Senator, District 7

WHEN:          Monday, June 10 – Program at 1:00 p.m.; Flag raises at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:       MATC Oak Creek Campus, 6665 S. Howell Avenue, Oak Creek

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.