Hamilton Catholic school board facing backlash for refusal to raise Pride flag in June

The Queer Trans Diversity Coalition of Hamilton (QTDC) and the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) are demanding the local Catholic school board raise the Pride flag in June.

The QTDC said it was "sorely disappointed and deeply saddened," adding the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic School Board (HWCDSB) is dismissing students in the LGBTQ+ community.

The Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) says the local Catholic school board is perpetuating "violent, discriminatory acts" for its decision.

The Ontario Parent Action Network also reacted to the news on Twitter with one word: "Shame!"

HWCDSB faced backlash online over the weekend after chair Patrick Daly said instead of the Pride flag, the board would continue to display the Canadian flag and cross at all its schools.

He said the Canadian flag and the cross are symbols of unity and inclusion.

"I hope individuals will read the statement which is intended to show our clear commitment — past, current and future — to do all we can to ensure our schools are places where each belong," Daly said on Sunday evening.

The decision comes after multiple Catholic boards in Ontario — including those in Niagara, Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, Durham, Wellington and Dufferin-Peel — voted in recent weeks to do the opposite.

Community groups concerned about Catholic school board

The QTDC said Hamilton and Halton's Catholic school boards won't be any less faithful by flying the Pride flag.

"This is not the time for separation and segregation as this is not a matter of church doctrine, but rather of public morals and human rights," the coalition said in a statement. "Raising a flag will not diminish your faith but strengthen it."

HCCI interim executive director Kojo Damptey said in an interview on Monday that HWCDB's decision is hurting kids.

"When they choose not to fly a flag, it sends a message to people that they are not welcome in this space and their issues are not supported," he said.

"Any public space needs to be open to any and everyone."

In a statement, HCCI highlighted that Pride month, in June, is not just a celebration for LGBTQ+ communities, but also a time to remember and reflect on discrimination they face.

"The history of discrimination against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Hamilton is ongoing, and your decision is one of the many examples," the HCCI said in a statement.

"The board's decision not to raise the flag excludes, marginalizes, and dehumanizes parents, children, and residents of Hamilton that belong to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities."

HCCI also said HWCDSB doesn't understand issues around anti-oppression and anti-racism.

CBC News is seeking further comment from HWCDSB.