Pride flags vandalized at school twice in just nine days

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Police are investigating after a rainbow Pride flag was damaged at a Norwich elementary school – the second such act of vandalism in just over a week in the Oxford County town, which has a fraught history with LGBTQ symbols.

Two people damaged the flag at Emily Stowe elementary school on Jerdon Street shortly after midnight on Sunday, Ontario Provincial Police said Thursday. No suspect descriptions have been released, and the investigation is ongoing.

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“OPP is reminding the public that theft and vandalism are criminal acts and will not be tolerated,” police said in a 6 p.m. statement. “Any individual who engages in vandalism or theft may face a criminal charge.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 on a cellphone.

The incident follows a May 16 act of vandalism at the same school, where two hooded individuals removed a Pride flag and set it on fire around 11:35 p.m. That day, all Thames Valley District school board sites raised the flag to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

In 2023, local politicians sparked outrage after voting to ban the flying of non-government flags on municipal property. Critics saw this as a veiled way to ban Pride flags in the town, where a large Christian church plays an influential role. Politicians overturned the ban in early 2024.

Police issued a stern warning in June 2023 after a string of Pride flag thefts. Flags are expected to go up again across Oxford County to mark Pride Month starting June 1.