Norwich school has two Pride flags destroyed

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Two Pride flags have been removed from a Norwich elementary school and burned on its grounds.

Oxford OPP is investigating the incidents that took place at Emily Stowe Public School recently. Police say two individuals attended the Jerdon Street address, removed the flag from the flagpole, and lit it on fire. Video surveillance shows two suspects wearing hoodies.

“It’s being investigated as a mischief and we are gathering information to see if there is factual hate/bias related evidence to support a hate crime charge,” explained OPP media relations Constable Randi Crawford. “We will go to the Crown attorney, who is the one who can call it a hate crime.”

She added if someone is charged with a hate crime they could receive an increased penalty upon conviction. She added crimes like these are disheartening for police and she is hoping the public will provide the OPP with tips so the culprits can be caught.

“Our media partners are so helpful in getting information out there. We rely on the community to help us help them. We know in small towns and townships, a lot of people hear and see things but maybe don’t feel comfortable coming forward.”

She added it is important to keep the residents of Oxford County safe, and anyone with information can call police directly at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 via cell phone. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.oxfordcrimestoppers.com.

“I feel like we have come a long way in Canada and I am proud of that and I hope this doesn’t happen again. We have Pride month coming in June and I hope we can all celebrate and have it safe and peaceful. I don’t know how many flags have been damaged over the years, but one is too many,” Crawford said.

Tami Murray is the President of Oxford Pride and said the acts are disappointing, but the group isn’t disheartened.

“We aren’t going to let this interrupt. Taking a flag down or stealing it is one thing but setting it on fire is a clear message of the hate and discrimination some people, unfortunately, still linger with.”

Murray added anytime someone comes onto someone else’s property, steals something and burns it for a specific reason, it is an act full of hatred.

“I know from a psychological perspective, given the work I do as a psychotherapist, when someone sets something on fire it indicates rage and directed and purposeful hate.”

Despite the flag burning, Murray explained she and the group are excited to be marking Oxford Pride’s tenth anniversary this year.

Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan, a long-time supporter of the Pride movement, issued a statement the day after the first act of vandalism.

“What happened last week at an Oxford County elementary school is alarming and heartbreaking: that there are people who would commit these acts, and that they would do so in what should be a safe space for children.”

He added acts of hate are not accepted by the community at Pride Month or at any time.

“Oxford County, as a community and as a municipal government, is fully committed to building safe communities where everyone belongs. It is what we have demonstrated through progressive policies, partnerships, guiding documents, and our actions. This includes raising the Pride flag again this year in all eight area municipalities in support of Pride Month in Oxford County, which proudly celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year.”

Ryan said the cowardly actions do nothing to diminish the overwhelming support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Oxford.

The Township of Norwich released a statement following the second flag-burning incident.

“(We are) aware of the acts of vandalism that took place at Emily Stowe Public School on May 16 and May 24, where Pride flags were removed from the school’s flagpole and lit on fire,” it read.

“One of the goals in council’s strategic plan is for ‘A Healthy and Safe Community’, and this kind of vandalism has no place in our community. The Township stands against acts of violence towards any group within our community and will continue to work to ensure our community is safe and welcoming for all its members.”

Norwich Mayor Jim Palmer said the township believes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, and acts of vandalism and violence, such as flag-burning, spread a message of hate.

“They have no place in a welcoming community like Norwich.”

Murray added she was pleased to see local politicians condemn the acts quickly.

“We are very fortunate to have really strong, progressive support in Oxford County.”