Stakeholders react to Pride flag vandalism

Pictured is one of the flagpoles cut down by two suspects in Perth County over the weekend. Poles in Perth East and North Perth were damaged.

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),” it added.

“Over the weekend, several school communities were victims of targeted acts of property damage,” the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) stated in a release on June 15. “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 well-being 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 (SPP) was also quick to condemn the acts of vandalism.

“We are heartbroken by the recent events in Perth County and the pain they have caused within our community,” A.J. Ashley, a member of SPP. “To every young person and community member in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community: you are seen, you are valued and you deserve to feel safe and supported. We are deeply sorry for the impact this has had and stand in solidarity with you.”

“As a parent of a queer teenager in this community, I am furious – and I think we all should be,” expressed Fox Johnston, the vendor manager for SPP. “Cutting down flagpoles in the middle of the night isn't a prank. It's a message. And that message is: you don't belong here. To every 2SLGBTQIA+ kid who walks into an AMDSB school and looks for that flag as a small sign that they are safe – that act was directed at them. That's not something I'm going to minimize or ignore. I am grateful to AMDSB for their swift and unequivocal response and to Perth OPP for investigating. Those responsible need to be held accountable. The flags will fly again. They always do. That’s what our community is all about.”

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.   

Local mental health resources are available and ready for any students who need it from the following organizations:

AMDSB, https://www.amdsb.ca/apps/pages/mentalhealth. 

Youth Line, via text message at 647-694-4275. 

Kids Help Phone, by calling 1-800-668-6868 and via text by messaging CONNECT to 686868, or by emailing them at info@kidshelpphone.ca. 

Huron-Perth Centre for Children and Youth, by emailing hpcentre.on.ca or calling 1-888-260-3924. 

With files from Sydney Boyle, Times correspondent/ Stratford-Perth Pride program coordinator.