Disruption of Pride flag raising ceremony at Durham school under investigation

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) says it’s investigating after a Pride flag raising ceremony was disrupted earlier this week by students at an elementary school in Ajax.

The ceremony happened on Tuesday, May 17, recognizing International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

The DDSB says the disruption occurred at Dr. Roberta Bondar Public School.

“We are deeply disappointed that some students chose to disrupt this important event and want to be clear that this behaviour is unacceptable,” the DDSB said in a statement.

“We are investigating the incident and will be addressing the inappropriate conduct with students and following up with those responsible to help ensure a safe and caring learning environment.”

The board sent a letter to families regarding the incident but did not confirm exact details to CityNews surrounding what happened during the disruption.

The community organization Pflag Durham Region says details of the disruption are not being made publicly available by the board due to the students involved being minors.

The organization says it has been working in partnership with the board when incidents like this happen and urge the board to work with local community groups to help with developing narrative-changing engagement for students.

“Safety for 2SLGBTQI students’ at this school is paramount for the DDSB to address quickly and in a fulsome way,” Pflag Durham Region said.

“We are here to support DDSB staff and students in healing from this incident and we encourage them to connect with us.”

Pride flags at GTA, Ontario Catholic schools

Many Catholic school boards in the province have chosen not to fly the Pride flag in the recent past.

The motion to fly Pride flags outside of Catholic schools in Halton was denied in April 2021 by the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB), prompting protests and outrage in the community.

Earlier this year, the HCDSB reversed the decision and voted in favour of flying the flag outside its schools for the month of June, and each June moving forward.

During a school board meeting in January the motion passed 5 to 3 in favour of flying the flag outside of all HCDSB schools and the Catholic Education Centre during Pride Month.

Several other Catholic school boards in Ontario raised the Pride flag for the first time ever in June 2021 including boards in Durham, Niagara, Ottawa and Toronto.