![]() ![]() But a rash of Pride flag theft and vandalism there last summer, along with one man’s address to the township council in which he compared Pride to something out of Nazi Germany, have thrust the issue under a harsh public spotlight in the Oxford enclave.įisher said he recently visited the elementary school in Norwich and was “very impressed with positive attitudes and the movement towards equity, diversity and inclusion demonstrated by all the students and staff that I encountered. Norwich isn’t the only pocket of Southwestern Ontario where there’s been pushback against visible signs of LGBTQ+ inclusion. In the fallout, a human rights complaint has been filed and many people and groups have criticized the move, including a social agency that helps kids - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County - that’s offered to return a small grant from the township in protest. ![]() Church holds ‘big influence’ over local town that nixed Pride flags.Norwich Pride flag ban: A new symbol joins backlash.Pointedly, the original council motion to restrict flag-flying at first explicitly cited the Pride flag before that was changed to ban all special banners. Article contentĪny vandalized or stolen flags will be replaced “immediately,” Fisher said.īut while the inclusive salute will unfurl where kids get educated, that’s in sharp contrast to all civic buildings and property in Norwich Township, whose council has come under widespread criticism both for restricting flag-flying on its turf to government banners, effectively banning Pride flags, and for rejecting one politician’s move to designate June as Pride Month. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The flag, emblematic of the LGBTQ+ community, will fly at all Thames Valley schools May 17, International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, and again in June for Pride Month.Īll board schools and administrative buildings will be required to fly the rainbow flags on their poles, parents were told in a memo sent out by the board. “It’s really important to fly and recognize that the Pride flag is a symbol of equity and inclusion and is consistent with our core values as a (school) district.” “First and foremost, we want all students - no matter how they identify - to feel safe and secure in our schools,” education director Mark Fisher said Wednesday. The top official at the Thames Valley District school board left no doubt what the flag-flying means. “I think they are on the right side of history, moving forward,” said Tami Murray, head of the LGBTQ+ umbrella group Oxford County Pride. ![]() The area Catholic school board, meanwhile, is leaving it up to its schools to decide whether or not to fly the flag - a disappointment to one advocate, who praised the public board for its stand. Activate your Online Access Now Article content If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, unlimited online access is included in your subscription.
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