Division among Manitoba School Board members regarding inclusion of flags in policy
A flag policy is sparking debate within a Manitoba school board, with some trustees saying it fails to reflect diversity, while others argue it is a neutral approach that represents everyone.
The policy has been in place since last October, and calls have now emerged to add more flags, says board chair Jason Gryba, with supporters saying it would promote inclusion.
Gryba, who wants to keep the existing policy, argues the current policy creates a “welcoming and neutral space” for students by not creating “distinctions” between groups.
Gryba told The Epoch Times that continually adding more flags “would shift our current policy away from its intended purpose–ensuring inclusivity, neutrality, and unity–and move us back toward division and exclusion.”
“The decision to display only the Canadian flag, the Manitoba provincial flag, and individual school flags was made to create a welcoming and neutral space for all students,” he said.
Calls for Reversal
The first sign of interest in revoking the policy came during a board meeting on Feb. 10, when Jarri Thompson, trustee for Ward 4, gave notice of a motion to rescind the flag policy at the next board meeting, set to occur on Feb. 24.
