June is Pride month, when many people and organizations show their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community by flying the Pride flag.
However, a request by area high school students to fly the flag at St. John’s College in Brantford has been denied by the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. A request to place a lawn sign was also rejected.
A Grade 12 student at SJC, who did not want to be identified for personal security reasons, wrote a letter to Postmedia and the school board expressing her disappointment with the trustees’ decision.
“The fact that we are in 2022 and there is controversy over a flag that represents that members of the LGBTQIA+ deserve rights, just as any other person in our community, is ridiculous,” said the student, adding that it is hurtful to the queer community that not only belongs and has a place within the school board district, but more importantly, is safe and supported.
The student said there is a large queer population in the Catholic school board that is tired of being told “no” without an explanation.
“Although, at this time, our schools do not fly the Pride flag outside, there are many instances where the Pride flag is displayed in some of our schools to acknowledge and support Pride Month and to support our 2SLGBTQIA+ students,” said Catholic board chair Rick Petrella in response to an inquiry by The Brantford Expositor. “The board is currently examining the flag policy to look for ways that it can be more inclusive to all groups in the future.”
Petrella said students and staff have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression.
“We prioritize our commitment to ensuring inclusive, diverse, equitable and welcoming teaching and learning environments for all groups,” he said. “This has, again, been woven into the board’s most recent strategic plan, which ensures … the funding of initiatives and supports for students and staff who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, and of course inclusion for all.”
Tracey Austin, the board’s communications manager, indicated that activities are taking place at St. John’s College to recognize Pride month.
They include:
- The school’s Advocacy, Community and Empowerment group will make and sell Pride and cultural Pride bracelets;
- Students and staff would create positive and rainbow messaging with chalk on the school parking lot;
- Pride flag adhesives are being installed by staff in classrooms and on their doors for support and to indicate safe spaces;
- Gender-neutral washrooms are being decorated with positive messages
When asked for the reasons why the board decided not to allow Pride flags to be flown, Austin replied: “We don’t have anything further to add at this point.”
The St. John’s student said the issue is not about making a political statement.
“The flag was a no, the lawn sign was a no, so we asked if we could post a tweet and take a picture of Pride flags around the school,” said the student. “It was requested by the board that our school send out no tweets regarding Pride month. The fact it’s so controversial to show publicly that a marginalized group has a place here is just upsetting.”
Meanwhile, the Grand Erie District School Board has provided Progressive Pride flags for all of its schools to fly during the month of June.
“We did this in consultation with The Bridge, Brantford, an organization that promotes and supports 2SLGBTQ+ identities and with whom we partner for staff training, to ensure this was the most current flag,” said Grand Erie communications manager Dave Smouter.
“One of Grand Erie’s priorities is to create a culture of belonging, providing a safe and welcoming environment or all students. Grand Erie’s support for Pride month are a part of creating that environment for 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff.”