Pride flag burnt outside Kitchener, Ont. high school: Police
Waterloo regional police are investigating after a Pride flag was trampled and set on fire outside a Kitchener, Ont. high school.
In a news release, police said a group of teens, aged 15 to 17, took the flag from Eastwood Collegiate Institute on Thursday.
Police said they stepped on it then set it on fire.
In an email sent to parents, the school's principal identified the teens as students and said after trampling and burning the flag, they threw it at a group of 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
“This same group of students then threw rocks at the 2SLGBTQIA+ students as they boarded their bus,” the principal said.
Police said no one was injured.
The incident is being investigated as hate-motivated.
“We take these investigations very seriously," Const. Brad Hickey said. "We have a dedicated team of investigators from both our general investigations unit and our equity, diversity and inclusion unit who are actively investigating."
“We’re really pleading to members of the public and the student population to please come forward with any information or video footage that they may have.”
Eastwood Collegiate Institute on Aug. 25, 2021 (Terry Kelly / CTV Kitchener)
SCHOOL BOARD REACTS
The Waterloo Region District School Board declined an interview with CTV News but said in a statement it is “deeply saddened and concerned by the alleged incident that happened outside Eastwood Collegiate Institute.”
“We want parents, families, and the wider community to know that we are taking this incident very seriously,” it continued.
"As a school district, we are deeply committed to the safety of our students and to creating and maintaining identify-affirming learning environments, where everyone feels safe and experiences a sense of belonging."
The principal’s letter said a team will be at the school on Friday offering on-site support, including school board social workers.
“As we move forward, we will use the tools we know best - education and support - to address the impact this incident has had on our school community,” the letter said.
The board said they will not be commenting further, as it is a police investigation involving students.
SPECTRUM CONDEMNS INCIDENT
In an email, Spectrum, a local 2SLGBTQIA+ organization, said it strongly condemns the incident, categorizing it as a "demonstration of hate."
"2SLGBTQIA+ youth in our community deserve safety and respect. Queer and trans people have always been here, and will always be here. Waterloo Region is no place for hate," Spectrum said.
"We call upon allies to take action to prevent hate speech and other acts of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ violence in our community."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says
A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction."
An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on
France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is formally reopening its doors on Saturday for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019.
Canada's air force took video of object shot down over Yukon, updated image released
The Canadian military has released more details and an updated image of the unidentified object shot down over Canada's Yukon territory in February 2023.
Why finding the suspected CEO killer is harder than you might think
He killed a high-profile CEO on a sidewalk in America’s largest city, where thousands of surveillance cameras monitor millions of people every day.
Sask. doctor facing professional charges in circumcision case
A Saskatoon doctor has been accused of unprofessional conduct following a high-cost adult circumcision that included a request for the patient to text unsecured post-op pictures of his genitals.
Man arrested after 16-hour standoff with Barrie police seeks to be released from custody
The 43-year-old man taken to hospital in distress following a 16-hour armed standoff with Barrie police last month is seeking bail.
Facing the holidays without family ties or the romantic partner of your dreams? Here's how to make this season fulfilling
While the holiday season is often a time rich with cheer love and family connections, it can also be a painful reminder of what once was.
Digging themselves out: With Santa Claus parade cancelled, Londoners make best of snowy situation
Londoners continue to dig themselves out from this week’s massive snowstorm.
Quebec City bus driver arrested for drunk-driving after collision
A Réseau de transport de la capitale (RTC) bus driver has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after being involved in a collision in Quebec City late Friday evening.