Peterborough police call it a hate/bias crime after the pride flag outside an elementary school was destroyed twice in two weeks this month.
Sometime between Nov. 11 and Nov. 13, the Pride flag outside King George Public School on Hunter Street was taken down and cut into several strips. The flag was replaced.
The new flag was taken down and cut into strips sometime between Nov. 25 and Nov. 27.
King George serves students from kindergarten to Grade 6.
Principal Marguerite Masterson says she’s disappointed and concerned about the incidents.
“We’ve had no other incidences of vandalism,” she said. “We’re a great school. We’re a great community and again we’re equally concerned as is everyone else that this has transpired.
Letters have been sent to parents, assuring them of the school’s position.
“This really does not reflect what our school and our school board supports,” said Masterson. “We value equity and diversity and inclusiveness for all. We fly our Pride flag proudly.”
The incidents were reported to police and are being actively investigated.
“The incidents have been classified as a hate/bias offence,” police stated.
Police say a hate/bias offence is one which is committed against persons or property and are motivated by the victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin or other factors.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or anonymously to the Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or http://www.stopcrimehere.ca
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