Ingersoll school hit by Pride flag vandals

The Pride flag at Laurie Hawkins Public School in Ingersoll was removed recently, and the OPP are searching for suspects. (Oxford OPP photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

A flagpole has been cut down, and a Pride flag has been stolen in the Town of Ingersoll.

The Oxford Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police were notified of mischief to a flagpole and theft of a Pride flag at Laurie Hawkins Public School.

“At approximately 9:55 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, four unknown suspects attended a school on Innes Street in Ingersoll. The suspects are being described as four young, white males, wearing T-shirts and face coverings,” said a police news release.

Police said one suspect appeared to be carrying a battery-operated hand saw.

The Echo reached out to the Thames Valley District School Board as to why the flags are still flying now that June’s Pride month has ended.

“Many schools fly the Pride flag beyond the month of June, and year-round, to reinforce that we are inclusive spaces for students and families who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. TVDSB’s flag policy can be found at https://www.tvdsb.ca/uploads/26/Doc_637269472004756025.pdf?ts=638316682051141109.”

The statement added there is no specific policy as it pertains to Pride flags, although section 5.0 of the policy speaks to such requests.

“Thames Valley District School Board stands in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. We remain firmly committed to promoting equity, inclusion and the safety of all students in our schools. We will continue to work closely with the OPP as they investigate this matter,” added the statement.

Town mayor Brian Petrie made a strong statement last week following the release of the police report.

“I am issuing a clear and unwavering message: we stand in firm solidarity with our 2SLGBTQIA+ community following a deeply concerning act of mischief and theft over the weekend.”

He added the act was not a simple act of property damage. It was a targeted attack on inclusion, safety, and human dignity.

“Flags are symbols of identity, belonging, and pride. To forcefully remove a symbol of love and acceptance from an educational institution, a place where every child deserves to feel safe and valued, is entirely unacceptable. This destructive act does not reflect the heart, the values, or the people of Ingersoll. We are a community built on kindness, mutual respect, and diversity.

As Mayor, I want to be entirely clear: targeting a symbol of inclusion and pride is an attempt to divide us, but it will only strengthen our resolve to stand together. Our schools must be safe, welcoming environments where every single young person feels a sense of belonging.”

Petrie added hate, intolerance, and exclusion have absolutely no place in our town, and attempts to intimidate or marginalize members of our community will not be tolerated.

“We will not be deterred by acts of division. We will continue to build a community rooted in safety, respect, and mutual support, where everyone is free to be exactly who they are.”

Police said their investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.oxfordcrimestoppers.com, where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.