UMVA has learned that a controversy erupted in Barrie after an elementary school removed its Canadian flag and replaced it with a Pride flag in honour of Pride Month, sparking a heated debate on social media.
The reaction online was largely divided, with many users expressing disapproval of the move. “It’s this type of stuff is why people are ripping down pride flags,” a Reddit user said. “I don’t agree with it but the more authority pushes something the more people are going to push back.”
Trillium Woods Elementary School took down its Canadian flag earlier this month, replacing it with the Pride flag. However, by June 16, the Pride flag had been taken down and the Canadian flag was back at half-staff. The move sparked a wave of comments on social media, with some users saying that only one flag should be flown.
“Nope….. ONE flag. No foreign flags, no pride flags,” another Reddit user said. The sentiments were similar on other platforms, with one user saying, “I appreciate and respect our LGBTQ friends and family but we are Canada first,” and suggesting that the Pride flag be flown on a second flagpole.
Another user was more blunt, saying, “Absolutely not! Nor should any other flag.” They added that the Canadian flag was inclusive of all Canadians, regardless of their background or identity.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the Simcoe County District School Board’s policy allows for another flag to be raised, but only under certain conditions. “Upon the direction of the Director of Education, or designate, a single flag, other than the National Flag of Canada may be raised for a specific time to recognize an event, occasion or period of significance,” the policy states.
The school board did not respond to a request for comment, but an alternative view was expressed by the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, which said that taking down the Canadian flag is not its policy. “The Canadian flag flies on our flag poles,” the board said.
The board added that its schools display Pride and Every Child Matters flags in prominent ways throughout their buildings, demonstrating their commitment to creating safe and welcoming spaces for all students.
Under Ontario’s Education Act, all schools in the province are required to display the Canadian and provincial flags inside their buildings, and are also permitted to fly the Canadian flag on flagpoles outside.
