Record 3,130 schools join Purple Friday
Pupils and teachers at 3,130 schools across the Netherlands take part today in an annual day aimed at making school a place for every pupil.
Applications rose this year to a record 3,130 schools, according to initiator COC Nederland, and all of them take part today in Purple Friday (Paarse Vrijdag).
The yearly event celebrates that everyone may be themselves, regardless of sexual orientation, faith or skin colour. Pupils and teachers use the day to show they are committed to a school where that holds for everyone.
Paarse Vrijdag
Purple Friday is an annual awareness day where students and school staff wear purple to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. It aims to create a safe, inclusive environment and promote acceptance within educational institutions for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
COC Nederland (Cultuur en Ontspanningscentrum)
The Dutch LGBTQ+ rights organization advocates for the equal rights, emancipation, and social acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people. It organizes national campaigns and provides educational materials to support safe and inclusive environments in schools and communities.