Statement: Jyväskylä Belongs to Everyone – Vandalism Will Not Silence Pride
The Pride flags of the University of Jyvsäkylä, 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 vampus 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.
More info
Aukusti Heilakka
Hallituksen puheenjohtaja, JYY
hpj@jyy.fi
+358 45 137 1964
Charles Silvennoinen
Hallituksen puheenjohtaja, JAMKO
puheenjohtaja(a)jamko.fi
+358 44 3211 500
More News
Statement: Jyväskylä Belongs to Everyone – Vandalism Will Not Silence Pride
The Pride flags of the University of Jyvsäkylä, 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...
Jyväskylä Pride Week is here—check out the program!
Jyväskylä Pride Week will be held September 7–13 and is organized by Jyväskylän SETA ry, an advocacy and recreational organization for people belonging to sexual and gender minorities in Jyväskylä and the surrounding area. This year’s...
Statement: The Government cannot make international students pay the cost of its education cuts
According to a decision by the Orpo government, tuition fees for students from countries outside the EU and EEA were changed to full-cost tuition starting in the fall of 2026. This means that tuition fees were raised to cover the full cost of...