Jer’s Vision Visits NAEC

Valerie Allan | May 09, 2013

On April 17, Jeremy Diaz, founder of Jer’s Vision, visited NAEC to talk to the students and staff. Jeremy is the force behind the International Day of Pink, a day which NAEC has embraced with growing enthusiasm since they started observing it three years ago. Students sported pink shirts, hats, shoes, badges, etc., on April 10, to celebrate International Day of Pink.

Jeremy talked to Ms. Cuthill and Mr. Hill’s classes first, then spoke to the Secondary classes. He talked about the discrimination he had faced during his school days, first because of race, and then because of sexual orientation. Jeremy told many anecdotes, often using humour to explain how hurtful his peers’ behaviour was.

Jeremy successfully sued his school district, because of the treatment he had received, and used the settlement money to start Jer's Vision. The aim of Jer's Vision is to spread a message of inclusion and acceptance for all, using personal appearances, workshops and conferences.

Jeremy talked about the harm people do by excluding anyone, for whatever reason. As well as discussing discrimination, Jeremy also discussed violence against women and sexism in general. He urged students and staff to think about actions, conscious or unconscious, which may hurt their peers.

Jeremy remained behind after the presentation to address individual questions, and was surrounded by an interested group of students. Jeremy invited students to attend a conference in Ottawa to learn more, and plans are in place to take a group of students on May 30.