Only Canadian and Provincial Flags Permitted on School Flagpoles, Says NS School Division
A school division in Nova Scotia is restricting the types of flags that will be permitted to fly outside its schools.
The South Shore Regional Centre for Education (SSRCE), representing 23 English-language elementary, middle, and high schools, announced that non-governmental flags will be removed from flagpoles and displayed inside schools.
SSRCE stated that this regional decision was made to ensure the flags are “better cared for” and “protected from damage.”
Schools will still have the option to fly other flags indoors, such as in the gym, foyer, and cafeteria.
Ashley Gallant, a spokesperson, mentioned that flags outside schools often get damaged or torn, and community members have raised concerns about the condition of school flags.
“Additionally, maintaining multiple flags is quite time-consuming and expensive,” she added.
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Peter Day, head of the provincial teachers’ union, expressed concern about the policy as it will prevent flags like the pride flag from being flown outside schools.
Day stated, “The teachers who have reached out are quite upset because they understand the importance of symbols in our schools for our children. When these symbols are removed, children can feel isolated and vulnerable.”
Nova Scotia is not the only province discussing the issue of flags at schools.
The Mountain View School Division board in Dauphin decided to uphold its policy despite the challenge.
They also voted to reintroduce the singing of God Save the King in classrooms, a policy outlined in provincial law but previously not enforced.
Trustees voted against the motion 6-3.
Residents in Westlock and Barrhead separately petitioned their councils to establish a neutrality bylaw to prohibit non-governmental flags from flying on municipal property.
Both communities also aimed to keep their crosswalks neutral, featuring the traditional white ladder design.
The municipalities decided to conduct referendums on the bylaw, with residents supporting a neutrality bylaw in both areas.
The Canadian Press and Carolina Avendano contributed to this report.
