Halton Catholic school board reverses decision, votes in favour of flying Pride flag

The Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) has voted in favour of flying the Pride flag outside its schools for the month of June after rejecting the idea last year.

The motion was brought forward by Burlington trustee Brenda Agnew and is a reversal of the vote from last year that prompted protests and outrage from many in the community.

During a marathon school board meeting that lasted well into the night on Tuesday, the motion passed 5 to 3 in favour of flying the flag outside of all HCDSB schools and the Catholic Education Centre for the month of June.

The #HCDSB Board of Trustees just voted to fly the Pride Flag outside of all HCDSB schools and the Catholic Education Centre for the month of June, and each June moving forward.#HCDSBPride #WeAllBelong

🌈 ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 pic.twitter.com/XUPs9Sh6kr

— Halton Catholic DSB (@HCDSB) January 19, 2022

The idea was first proposed in April 2021 by Nicole Hotchkiss, a Grade 12 student at the time, and was meant to provide a sense of inclusion and support for 2SLGBTQ+ staff and students.

The topic has been a contentious issue within the Catholic community. Some members have raised concerns that flying the flag would go against traditional Catholic values while others say it supports the religion’s key values of love and acceptance.

Following Tuesday’s decision, HCDSB Director of Education Pat Daly tweeted, “We are committed to nurturing safe and inclusive learning environments, where every student and every member of the community is welcomed, valued, and respected.”

Several other Catholic school boards in Ontario already fly the Pride flag for the month of June including in Niagara and Toronto.

Last year, the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion called on the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) to raise the Pride flag.

At the time, HWCDSB Chairperson Patrick Daly said the board has a long-standing policy to only fly the national Canadian flag as a sign of unity.

RELATED STORY: Halton Catholic school board continues debate over pride flag at schools