Ontario education minister supports raising Pride flag but won’t intervene in Catholic school board decision

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Ontario’s Education Minister says he supports raising the rainbow flag at publicly-funded schools as an indication of inclusion to LGBTQ students, but he won’t direct boards to do so during Pride month in June – leaving the decision to parents and local communities.

Stephen Lecce made the comments on Monday after some attendees at a recent Toronto-area Catholic school board meeting last week expressed vocal opposition to the practice.

Mr. Lecce recognized the raising of the Pride flag as a tradition in government, across political parties.

“It’s something that’s done to send a signal of respect and inclusion, and I would welcome that in publicly-funded schools,” he said at an announcement about a new mental-health curriculum.

Mr. Lecce also acknowledged the mental-health challenges faced by LGBTQ students, who are subjected to increased bullying and harassment at schools.

“Some of the kids in question are the ones who have the highest rates of suicide. If there are ways we can affirm their existence, give them a sense of confidence and safety and respect in their learning environment in a publicly-funded school, then we in government, we in school boards, we in society, are doing our part.”

A York District Catholic School Board meeting last Tuesday was interrupted by protesters who object to raising the Pride flag in June. Video of the incident shows some attendees yelling at LGBTQ advocates, while security stood by.

Maniva Armstrong, a spokesperson for York Regional Police, confirmed that they were called to keep the peace after reports of a “disturbance” at a meeting in Aurora, north of Toronto.

“Upon arrival, officers found the situation was calm and the crowd gradually dispersed. There were no reports of injuries, property damage or anything criminal,” she said.

Asked if he would direct the York Catholic board to raise the Pride flag, Mr. Lecce said school boards work with parents and “these are decisions local communities make.”

“But I think what you’re hearing from me is support for actions they can take to create inclusive, safe places,” he said. “I really hope that schools will do their part.” Mr. Lecce’s King-Vaughan riding is in York Region.

In an e-mailed statement Monday, York Catholic board spokesperson Mark Brosens wrote that the board has reviewed Mr. Lecce’s comments. He said the board’s policy stated that only Canadian flags were to be flown on school property, and that staff would review that directive with trustees in the coming weeks.

He said the board supports LGBTQ students.

Paolo De Buono, a resident of York region whose children attend the board’s Catholic schools, was scheduled to make a deputation at last week’s meeting, but he said he was told by the board that his speech was contrary to Catholic values. Mr. De Buono is also a teacher who works for the Toronto Catholic board and has advocated for safe spaces for LGBTQ students.

He said in an interview Monday that Mr. Lecce, as well as other area MPPs, should put more pressure on trustees to raise the Pride flag next month.

“We don’t need to hurt any more students,” Mr. De Buono said, adding that he saw students at the last meeting visibly upset by the protests.

Toronto MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, the NDP’s official critic for 2SLGBTQI issues, said Mr. Lecce should “familiarize himself” with the Education Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, as all school boards have a responsibility to protect and defend human rights.

“The provincial government must create learning environments free from harassment and discrimination,” they (Wong-Tam’s preferred pronoun) said.