This flag shows MATC as a place of love, inclusion, home and safe space.
John Webber felt a whole world of emotion as the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag was raised at Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Oak Creek Campus on June 10.
But mostly the small-business owner and MATC alum, who was very involved in the college’s early gay rights student groups, felt gratitude.
“This is not just a flag,” Webber said before the flag was raised. “To me this is the start of something extremely important. Because this flag shows MATC as a place of love, inclusion, home and safe space. So for that, thank you, MATC.”
Webber was among numerous MATC students, staff and administrators who gathered at the Oak Creek Campus to watch the flag raised in recognition of Pride Month for the first time in the college’s history. The flag will fly beneath the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag through June 30.
The Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag was chosen because it serves as the most inclusive and up-to-date Pride flag.
Flags were raised simultaneously at the college’s Downtown Milwaukee and Mequon campuses. Construction has temporarily prevented flags from being flown at MATC’s West Allis Campus. A flag was hung at MATC’s Education Center at Walker’s Square.
See more photos from the event
“Our hope is that this flag raising provides a sense of community and pride for everyone who sees themselves and their identities in its colors, and that this paves the way for other communities to feel this same sense of representation,” said Sara Cappaert, co-leader of the college’s LGBTQ+ and Allies employee affinity group. “This is a historic moment for the LGBTQ+ community and is a significant step toward ensuring the college continues to reflect the diversity of our community regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The flag raising initiative was led by the LGBTQ+ and Allies employee affinity group and the Rainbow Alliance of MATC student organization. Those entities serve as the cornerstone and resource for the college’s LGBTQ+ students, faculty and administration, as well as their allies. The group provides a safe space for support, community, advocacy and belonging.
“MATC is one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, so we proudly support our student body who were the key drivers of this initiative,” said Michael Rogers, interim vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. “We express our commitment to equity and inclusion by affirming all intersections of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.”
The college plans to make the flag raising an annual event, said Dr. Phillip King, executive vice president of student success. “We hope this becomes one of our traditions,” Dr. King said. “A time when we can celebrate the progress we have made but also understand there are many people out there who still don’t feel the support and connection that many of us do.”
Elsa Marks, a Practical Nursing student and transgender woman, told those at the event that she has received extensive support at the college. “I have had a terrific experience at the school, but we should want everyone to have that,” she said. “We need to stand up for human rights everywhere.”
Wisconsin state Sen. Chris Larson, who represents the district that includes Oak Creek, urged the crowd to fight back against extremists trying to take away rights from the LGBTQ+ community and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“Celebrating Pride now is more important than ever,” Larson said. “We are all stronger when we celebrate our own unique heritage and come together for the greater good.”
About MATC: Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 30,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 180 academic programs — many that prepare students for jobs immediately upon completion and others that provide transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.