UPEI holds first annual raising of the Flag of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Members of the campus community joined Dr. Greg Keefe, UPEI’s interim president and vice-chancellor, and UPEI student Antwaun Rolle to witness the first annual raising of the Flag of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at UPEI in observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. The flag raising took place on November 30 at 12 noon at the flag plaza near Kelley Memorial Building.
“We congratulate UPEI international student Antwaun Rolle on his efforts to bring awareness of the Day to not only the University community but also to Charlottetown and PEI,” Dr. Keefe said to the small gathering of students, staff, and faculty.
Rolle, originally from The Bahamas, is a fourth-year political science major with a deep interest in learning about developing nations. Born with cerebral palsy, he has decided to use his experience to help him advocate for people living with all forms of disabilities.
“I had the opportunity to meet with Antwaun earlier this year to discuss ways to increase awareness on campus,” added Dr. Keefe. “As a result, a first step was to commit to officially observing December 3 by raising the disability flag on an annual basis.” Dr. Keefe also accompanied Rolle when the Hon. Darlene Compton, Speaker PEI Legislative Assembly, raised the flag in front of the Coles Building on December 1.
The Flag of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was created by Eros Recio in 2017 and presented to the United Nations that same year. The flag is a tricolour flag with three equally sized horizontal stripes of gold, silver, and bronze, meant to evoke the three medals at the Paralympic Games. The interim president also encouraged students, staff, and faculty to wear the colours of the flag through to and on December 3.
Additionally, the UPEI Accessibility Services team will host a presentation called “Busting Myths about Disabilities” on Tuesday, December 5, from 2:30–3:30 pm at Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, room 142. They will review common myths, discuss why they are false, and provide knowledge about the harm stereotypes can cause as well as language that can be used to interrupt these ideas.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are valued at UPEI, and are central to the University’s mission and vision. These values are fundamental to empowering members of our campus to reach their full potential in the classroom and the broader community.
