Hamilton’s Catholic school board will raise the Pride flag this year

UPDATED

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) will raise the pride flag for the first time this June.

On Tuesday, the board voted 6-3 in favour of a motion to raise rainbow flags at schools and other buildings for Pride month.

The motion was brought forward by trustee Mark Valvasori and seconded by trustee Phil Homerski.

Valvasori said he was prompted to bring the motion forward after reading emails and having conversations with people who were against flying the flag. He said the language used was “often repulsive.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, Valvasori said the motion was “all about the kids” and it was time to show students that the board’s philosophy of ‘each belongs’ rings true.

Those opposed to the motion included board chair Pat Daly, as well as trustees Mary Nardini and Louis Agro.

Committee of the Whole and Board Meetings – March 1, 2022 from HWCDSB on Vimeo.

Earlier this year, the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) reversed its decision and voted in favour of flying the Pride flag outside its schools for the month of June.

The idea was first proposed in April 2021 by Nicole Hotchkiss, a Grade 12 student at the time, and was meant to provide a sense of inclusion and support for 2SLGBTQ+ staff and students.

The topic has been a contentious issue within the Catholic community. Some members have raised concerns that flying the flag would go against traditional Catholic values while others say it supports the religion’s key values of love and acceptance.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article erroneously stated Valvasori had described the language used by some HWCDSB board members who opposed flying the flag as “often repulsive” when in fact the communication in reference was not with members of the board. Valvasori said any discussions within the school board around the issue have been completely respectful. Additionally, the HWCDSB did not vote on the issue of flying a Pride flag last year.