Rainbow pride flag causes controversy in N.B.

A number of New Brunswick high schools are flying the rainbow pride flag for the first time this week, but the flag has proven controversial at one school.

At Oromocto High School, campus is buzzing with a debate about the importance and stature of the Canadian flag.

The flag was raised underneath the Canadian flag at Oromocto High on Tuesday, but objections were soon raised about the national emblem sharing a flagpole.

“It didn’t matter to me if the flag was threaded in gold, it didn’t belong on the same mast with the Canadian flag,” said Jean Roberts.

New Brunswick’s Education minister says the situation was quickly resolved.

“You cannot put another flag with that one, so we clarified the situation,” said Serge Rousselle.

By mid-week, only the pride flag was flying on campus. Those who objected before were even more outraged.

“I understand that you’re supporting gay rights but they shouldn’t have taken down the Canadian flag,” said student Madisen Carr.

“It is a good cause, it’s good to raise awareness, but it’s not fair to be taking down the Canadian flag like that,” said student Seamus Hogan.

The situation became even more volatile when the pride flag disappeared sometime between late Wednesday and early Thursday morning. The RCMP are now investigating, and are asking the public for tips.

In the meantime another pride flag was raised, until the provincial government clarified Friday that the maple leaf has to fly on school grounds.

Students say the issue struck a chord with the military community in Oromocto.

“It’s very disrespectful because we have a lot of military in this community,” Carr said.

The school district says after this week, it’s considering putting more flagpoles on the school grounds.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore