Tara Jeffrey
Local Catholic schools have not joined others across the province in deciding to fly the Pride flag for the first time this month.
And the St. Clair Catholic District School Board wouldn’t say if it’s something it will consider in the future.
“We fly the Canadian flag at all school and board locations at all times, as a symbol of unity and inclusiveness for all,” the board said in an emailed statement.
“To date, there has been no formal request to the board to fly the Pride flag.”
A growing number of Ontario Catholic school boards have broken with tradition and are flying the Pride flag during the month of June to show support for the LGBTQ+ community — including boards in Niagara, Waterloo, Ottawa, Durham and Toronto, the largest Catholic school board in the world.
In 2019, the Thunder Bay District Catholic School Board becoming the first Catholic board in Ontario to raise the
rainbow flag during Pride week.
St. Clair Catholic wouldn’t confirm it has any plans to follow suit.
“Teachers in our schools may lead classroom discussions that celebrate diversity and help students to explore the ways in which we can all help to nurture safe and inclusive school communities, where every student is welcomed, valued and respected,” it stated.
“Our focus is to ensure our Catholic schools are safe spaces, where each person is treated with dignity and respect, as individuals created in the image and likeness of God.”
The Sarnia Pride and Transgender Association said it’s disappointing the rainbow flag won’t be seen at local Catholic schools anytime soon.
“The fact remains that there are kids with varying gender and sexual identities in their schools, and failing to recognize their humanity is emotionally damaging and neglectful,” the Association told The Journal.
“These decisions keep kids from recognizing and accepting themselves and lead to tragic outcomes for our youth, including mental health issues, suicidal ideation and acts of suicide.”
The Lambton Kent District School Board flies the Pride flag at all facilities in the month of June, and for the first time this year officially recognized May 17 as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. It said it plans to continue to observe the day annually.
“This extended from a motion brought forward by our student trustees last year that was supported by our board of trustees,” said education director John Howitt.
The Sarnia Pride group added every student has a right to feel represented and validated at school.
“By not flying these flags, you silence our 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff… Social inclusion is a fundamental developmental need for all children and youth.”
Last week, Ontario’s Education Ministry said it was taking action to combat homophobia by increasing funding for several programs that support LGBTQ+ youth.