Comox Valley Schools issued a statement as part of yesterday’s Provincial Day of Mourning honouring those impacted by the recent tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.

The day was being observed in schools throughout British Columbia.

In a message to families, Superintendent Dr. Jeremey Morrow said schools in the Comox Valley were acknowledging the day in thoughtful, age-appropriate and trauma-informed ways, with student well-being as the priority.

He says the district remains committed to its core values of empathy, kindness, acceptance, safety and inclusion, and is encouraging students and staff to support one another with compassion.

Dr. Morrow also addressed what he described as a surge of anti-trans, mental health and 2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric and misinformation circulating online and in some communities in the wake of the tragedy.

He says Comox Valley Schools stands firmly for the safety, dignity and full inclusion of every student and staff member, adding that hate, discrimination and harassment have no place in schools.

For more information, visit Comox Valley Schools.