A reported 330 schools in the province of Utrecht took part in Purple Friday, described as a record number. The participants included 240 primary schools, 86 secondary schools and nine vocational education schools, with numbers comparable to previous years according to an earlier account. Activities included a purple fashion show in Utrecht and the raising of a rainbow flag in Woerden. Several municipalities also discussed the event, which promotes the idea that everyone should be able to be themselves. Ricardo Copier, chairman of COC Central Netherlands, said the participation was notable because acceptance of homosexuality among young people had declined significantly in recent years.