Multiple poles flying Pride flags cut down at Ontario schools

Multiple poles flying Pride flags at Ontario schools were cut down over the weekend.

The Perth County Ontario Provincial Police said “multiple flag poles” were cut down at school properties between June 13 and 14.

One public school, North Easthrope Public School in Stratford, said poles were cut down at their school and at Central Perth Elementary School in Sebringville, Elma Township Public School in Atwood, and Mornington Central Public School in Newton.

“This is extremely disappointing and a targeted hateful act of vandalism,” North Easthrope said in a post on Facebook.

The flagpoles were flying both the Canadian flag and the Pride flag, the Avon Maitland District School Board said in a statement.

“Let us be clear: this was not a simple act of mischief. This was a targeted, costly, and hateful act of vandalism,” the board said.

“To our 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families: We stand with you,” the board continued. “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.”

Desecrating flag poles that carry the Canadian flag is extremely disrespectful to our country and the freedoms it represents, the board added.

The board said replacing the poles is very costly, and they will be reallocating taxpayer dollars that should be going directly into classrooms to support student learning.

“It is shameful that community resources must now be diverted to repair the damage caused by this act,” the board said.