Halton Catholic District School Board votes to raise the rainbow Pride flag this June in Oakville and Burlington as well as Milton and Halton Hills

It was contentious, however the Delight flag is now set to fly at native Catholic faculties.

In a gathering that ran till after midnight on Tuesday (Jan. 19), the Halton Catholic District College Board (HCDSB) voted 5 to three in favour of a movement to fly the rainbow Delight flag at its faculties throughout the month of June. The determination is a reversal of the vote on the problem made simply final yr that resulted in protests and vocal opposition from teams each throughout the faculties and past.

This yr’s movement was put forth by Burlington Trustee Brenda Agnew, who argued the movement is about exhibiting acceptance.

“This proposal to boost the Delight flag is about actively exhibiting via a common image our assist for our workers, college students, households and group members, that our faculties are a secure place the place they belong and they're all the time welcomed,” mentioned Agnew.

The assembly was notably contentious, with repeated arguing amongst trustees. At one level a trustee was informed they had been out of order throughout the questioning of a delegate. There have been common incidents of cross speak, a trustee accused the chair that correct process was not being adopted and a number of level of order calls had been made.

Supporters of elevating the flag argue it will assist 2SLGBTQ+ workers and college students really feel accepted and assist tackle vital psychological well being points inside that group.

Opponents say the Delight flag is opposite to the message of the Bible and that it represents immoral behaviours. Additionally, that there are already symbols at use within the faculties that foster inclusion for all.

Burlington Trustee Tim O’Brien argued that the cross represents each a logo of their religion and one among inclusion.

“There's a perception amongst some that except one embraces secular symbols, one can't be inclusive or accepting - that is merely not true. The place there are instances of injustice and mistreatment of any pupil, whether or not they're bullied or rejected because of their sexual orientation, look, race, intercourse or some other purpose we should seize the second, tackle the state of affairs and be sure that we lead by instance," mentioned O'Brien. 

Just like final yr’s debate on a delight flag movement, opponents tried to make a number of adjustments or delays to the movement. In contrast to final yr, these makes an attempt had been unsuccessful.

Eight delegations concerning the Delight flag had been on the night’s agenda – six in favour two towards. 9 delegations had been declined.

One of many delegations in assist had been the Halton presidents of the Ontario English Catholic Academics Affiliation, which mentioned their members, that features the roughly 3,000 academics of the board, overwhelmingly assist flying the flag.

Trustees Brenda Agnew, Patrick Murphy, Nancy Guzzo, Peter DeRosa and Janet O’Hearn-Czarnota voted in favour. Trustees Tim O’Brien, Helena Karabela and Vincent Iantomasi voted towards.

 

A extra full breakdown on the Jan. 18, 2022 HCDSB assembly can be posted on the afternoon of Jan. 20.