Statement: Jyväskylä Belongs to Everyone – Vandalism Will Not Silence Pride

Statement of Student Union JAMKO and The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä

The Pride flags of the University of Jyväskylä, the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY) and the JAMK University of Applied Sciences have been stolen from their campuses. The flags were taken from the University campus during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, and from Jamk’s Rajakatu campus during the night between Monday and Tuesday. A police report will be filed regarding the incidents.

We strongly condemn this act of vandalism against the Pride flags. The opposition and harassment directed at Pride Week and its message only further highlight why Pride Week remains necessary and why its message must be made even more visible. Diversity must not be silenced or erased, and we must stand by our shared principles even when they are challenged.

Higher education institutions must be safe communities for people of all backgrounds. The rainbow flag sends a clear message to students and staff belonging to sexual and gender minorities that they are accepted and valued members of the community.

Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated one. In recent weeks, the Pride theme has been accompanied by inappropriate criticism and disparaging remarks directed at, for example, the city of Jyväskylä. JYY and JAMKO stand firmly with the city in supporting Pride. Pride must continue to be visible and heard in our city.

Hostility towards LGBTQ+ people and Pride has also increased nationally in recent years. Especially now, it is essential that we stand firmly on the side of equality and work even more determinedly to promote inclusion and a safe society for everyone. Human rights are not a matter of opinion.

Vandalism will not silence Pride. Pride week events will culminate in Saturday’s Pride parade and park celebration, and we will continue flying Pride flags on our campuses. We encourage the entire higher education community to support Pride visibly and together. Students and staff can show their support by participating in Pride Week events and displaying symbols that promote equality in their workspaces, study environments and clothing. A flag can be taken down, but the values of our community and our commitment to defending a safe and inclusive higher education environment cannot be silenced.

Further information

Aukusti Heilakka
Chairperson of the Board, JYY
hpj(a)jyy.fi
+358 45 137 1964

Charles Silvennoinen
Chairperson of the Board, JAMKO
puheenjohtaja(a)jamko.fi
+358 44 3211 500