Perth County school Pride flags targeted
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Lee Griffi
Provincial police in Perth County are asking for the public’s help after four flagpoles in the county were cut down over the weekend. All four were flying the Pride flag.
In Perth East, poles were cut at Central Perth Elementary, Mornington Central and North Easthope public schools. Elma Township public school in North Perth was also hit.
“These incidents occurred between June 13 and 14 in the areas of Perth Line 72, Perth Road 131, Perth Line 43 and Perth Road 135. Police are seeking to identify two persons of interest who are both described as male, wearing all black clothing and face coverings, and were in possession of a saw,” said a Perth OPP news release.
“The persons of interest were observed in the area of these mischiefs operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).”
The Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) released a statement on Monday.
“Over the weekend, several school communities were victims of targeted acts of property damage. Multiple flagpoles, which were flying both the Canadian flag and the Pride flag, were deliberately cut down. Let us be clear; this was not a simple act of mischief. This was a targeted, costly and hateful act of vandalism.”
The statement added the school board continues to support 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and families.
“We stand with you. This act does not change our commitment to you, nor does it diminish your right to feel safe, valued and celebrated in our schools. Our mental health and wellbeing team is available should any students or staff need support.”
The board added desecrating flag poles carrying the Canadian flag is extremely disrespectful to the country and the freedoms it represents.
“Replacing these poles is very costly, re-allocating taxpayer dollars that should be going directly into our classrooms to support student learning. It is shameful that community resources must now be diverted to repair the damage caused by this act.”
The AMDSB vowed to replace the poles as soon as possible.
“The flags will fly again. Our schools will remain safe spaces for everyone and our resolve to foster an inclusive environment is only strengthened by this incident.”
Stratford Perth Pride was also quick to condemn the acts of vandalism.
“We at Stratford Perth Pride are saddened by the events that took place over the weekend,” said Sydney Boyle, the group’s social media coordinator.
“Currently, the OPP is investigating these incidents and why these hate-driven crimes occurred specifically during Pride Month. These incidents follow several similar hateful acts throughout southwestern Ontario.”
Boyle said the Pride flag stands as a symbol of unity for those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and towns or cities that fly it let everyone know they see those in that community and want them to know they are welcome.
“Taking down the flag doesn't make our community go away, trying to scare us doesn't make us silent. It adds fuel to our fire and makes it just that more important for us to be seen.”
She added Pride began as a protest, and no matter how many people try to push them down, they need to rise above.
“We need our allies and those dedicated to the community to help push our voices, make us louder than ever before. If you are interested in sharing your voice or need someone to talk to, send us an email at stratfordperthpride@gmail.com. And remember, you are never alone,” Boyle added.
Schools, businesses and residences in the Town of Norwich have also been targeted over the past two weeks. Flags have been stolen and burned, and a school also had a pole cut down. Gunn’s Hill Cheese, which took to social media to speak out against the vandalism, had its store sign cut down on Friday night.