‘It’s concerning’: Pride flag stolen, flagpole cut down at Oxford County school in second incident this month

Vandals cut down a flagpole and stole a Pride flag at an elementary school in Norwich, marking the second incident this month. Reta Ismail reports.

Oxford County OPP are investigating after a Pride flag was stolen and a flagpole was cut down at an elementary school in Norwich over the weekend, marking the second Pride-related incident reported at the same school this month.

Police say two suspects entered the property of Emily Stowe Public School around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, cut down a metal flagpole and removed a recently replaced Pride flag.

The latest incident comes just days after another act of vandalism at the school.

“One was the first of June, where two individuals attended the Emily Stowe School in Norwich. Climbed up the pole, took the Pride flag down, and then proceeded to burn it with the other person there. And then, just over the weekend, two people attended same school, and this time they cut the metal flagpole down, and then they stole the Pride flag,” said Oxford OPP Const. Randi Crawford.

For some residents, the repeated incidents are becoming increasingly concerning.

“It’s every year, and it escalates. Every year it gets worse. Everybody’s entitled to their own beliefs and their own philosophies, but respect for one another and respect for other people’s property and public community property,” said Jeff, a Norwich resident who lives across the street from the school, and has had their Pride flag vandalized over the years.

Oxford Pride President Tera Russell says the latest act of vandalism represents a troubling escalation.

“The escalation of cutting down the flagpole, it’s a, you know, a little more of an aggressive, point that they’re making. So, it’s concerning for the youth and the citizens of Norwich,” they said.

The Thames Valley District School Board declined an interview request but provided a statement that had been shared with families at Emily Stowe Public School.

“The Pride flag is a visible reminder that 2SLGBTQIA+ identities are affirmed and that belonging matters. There is no place for hatred or discrimination in our school community,” the statement reads.

The Township of Norwich also condemned the vandalism in a written statement.

“One of the goals in council’s strategic plan is for ‘a healthy and safe community,’ and this kind of vandalism and destruction has no place in our community,” the statement said. “The Township stands against acts of violence towards any group within our community and believes that Norwich should be safe and welcoming for everyone.”

Police say the investigation remains ongoing and are asking members of the public to come forward with any information.

“We want to remind people that incidents like this, it’s not just one victim. There’s many victims. So again, if you know anything, anything you’ve heard something, you’ve seen something. Please either come forward. We need to catch these people and hold them accountable,” said Crawford.

Anyone with information, including surveillance video from the area, is asked to contact Oxford OPP or Crime Stoppers.