TVDSB raises Pride flags, following flags ban on civic property

Following a ban of non-government flags in the Township of Norwich, Emily Stowe elementary school hoisted the Pride flag on Wednesday in honour of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia which is observed on May 17. All schools within the TVDSB did the same.

READ MORE: Local church holds ‘big influence’ over Ontario township that voted down Pride flags

A parent at the school, Jeff Durchame says, “It’s not a promotion of a lifestyle, it’s not a recruiting tool. It’s designed to make people who are afraid, less afraid.”

Ducharme says he’s proud of his school board for directing the action. Ducharme says his inclusive banner was stolen off his property last year, and the township has seen plenty of vandalism over the past year.

He says, “People are ripping the flags down, spray painting on things. They ripped down a bunch of the inclusivity flags down from downtown and set fire to them in an intersection.”

READ MORE: Norwich Township votes against flying Pride flags on municipal property

Across town, Pride flags hang on some private properties but not on public ones. Three weeks ago, the township council voted on the bylaw to fly only civic flags on municipal properties. It ended in a 3-2 vote, one that came down to the mayor.

CHCH News reached out to Norwich mayor Jim Plamer and the councillor who proposed the motion about Wednesday’s flag raising at the schools. We have yet to hear back from them.

TVDSB director of education, Mark Fisher says he’s happy with the school’s response, “I had the privilege to visit Emily Stowe public school in Norwich and was pleasantly surprised with the attitude at the school and the fact that in the community itself there were probably at least half a dozen homes that were flying the flag.”

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The Pride flag was hoisted for the 8th time annually in front of dozens at the TVDSB administrative building in London, Ont. Fisher says following community feedback, an equity action plan is being developed and a resource guide is provided to staff.

Fisher says, “I think the actions this year are more important than ever so we have mandated all 161 schools and board offices that the Pride flag will be flown today, May 17th.”