Mountain View brings in flag restrictions for schools

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This article was published 08/10/2024 (543 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Mountain View School Division board of trustees on Monday informed staff within the division of the new policy restricting the types of flags permitted to fly at its schools.

During its Sept. 23 general meeting, the board passed a motion adopting a procedure to permit the flying of only federal and provincial flags, or flags featuring school logos, on school property.

The board, in an emailed letter shared with the Sun by a division employee, said the decision is a step toward promoting inclusivity within the school community.

“As we navigate this challenging period, we, the MVSD school board, want to take a moment to express our gratitude to you for your ongoing dedication and hard work,” stated the letter, addressed “Dear Team.”

“The decisions being made by our board are not easy, but they are rooted in a commitment to creating a safe, caring and respectful environment for everyone in our school communities,” the letter continued. “By choosing to only fly the Federal, Provincial and School flags, we aim to send a clear message; everyone is welcome, included, and supported under these banners. Canada’s rich tapestry of cultures and communities is a source of strength, and our goal is to foster inclusivity and positivity in all that we do.”

The board acknowledged its decisions may be difficult, but said they “are necessary steps toward a brighter future.”

However, not everyone in the division support the decision. A staff member, who asked not to be named, described the new policy as “embarrassing.”

“It’s so embarrassing working here right now,” the staff member said. “The letter in the email will be posted to the website tomorrow. All MVSD staff were emailed this today.”

The staff member said there are infrastructure problems in the division the board should focus on.

“École MacNeill has serious air quality issues because of construction that should have been finished a year ago, and the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School has no air-conditioning,” the staff member said. “No one cares about what flags are flying.”

The staff member also voiced concerns for the safety and inclusion of LGBTQ+ students.

“The LGBTQ+ community has always coexisted with us and not been in fear. Now they are front and centre, and there is no safe space for them.”

The staff member also said the policy change has severely impacted morale within the division.

“Staff morale is in the toilet because the board is making us a running joke of intolerance and hatred.”

MVSD board chair Jason Gryba said the federal, provincial and school flags are meant to symbolize inclusivity for all, adding the decision was not made lightly but was necessary to ensure fairness across the student body.

“The federal, provincial and school flags represent all people in Canada, our province and our schools. This is true inclusivity,” Gryba said.

“This has been on our agenda for some time, but it kept getting pushed back due to time constraints. The discussion originated because of complaints that some students were feeling excluded as only certain countries and groups were given representation with flags. The Canadian flag always has been, and hopefully always will be, the symbol of inclusion in our country. Everyone is welcome here.”

Acting Supt. Suzanne Cottyn said the division could not respond to the Sun’s inquiries by deadline.

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