For the second time this week, a Pride flag has been stolen from a Thames Valley district public school, according to provincial police. Police say a suspect or suspects allegedly yanked the school flagpole from the ground at Ekcoe Central Public School in Glencoe, stealing both the Canada and rainbow flags with them. On Wednesday, replacement flags had been erected. Frank Emanuele, the chair of Strathroy Pride, says it’s disappointing. ‘It’s sad. It’s sad to hear that these things are still happening,” he said. According to OPP, a person or persons came onto the school property on June 6 at around 2 a.m., and knocked over the flagpole, before leaving with the pole and flags. “People that are against Pride events and against the Pride community, they’re loud, but they’re also in small numbers. So, you kind of need to balance that with larger numbers. We have tried to extend some of our events past Strathroy, and it hasn’t always gone very well,” Emanuele said. It’s the second time this week it’s happened at a Thames Valley public school. Oxford OPP is investigating after a Pride flag was stolen and flagpole cut down at Emily Stowe Public School in Norwich on the weekend, marking the second Pride related incident reported at that school this month. On June 1 the Pride flag was cut down and burned. The Thames Valley District School Board says it didn’t have anyone to speak to the incident in Glencoe but issued a statement, saying in part, “The board stands in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. We remain firmly committed to promoting equity, inclusion and the safety of all students in our schools.” Emanuele, a Tames Valley teacher himself, says the school board has gone to great lengths to foster inclusion. “I truly believe they’ve done it right, in terms of equity and inclusion, and educating teachers. Not just teachers but making sure we have materials in our schools to support this as well.” Pride flags are being flown at all Thames Valley schools and workplaces during the month of June, which is Pride month.
