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On the agenda was a minor policy change clarifying what flag can be flown at buildings with three flagpoles — the board has just three such sites — but with the issue reopened for debate, delegates spoke passionately in support of, and opposition to, flying the Pride flag, both inside and outside schools and other buildings.

Some said the Pride flag promotes inclusion of LGBTQ students and urged trustees to change a “backward policy that has caused toxic divisions in the name of religion.” Others argued it conflicts with Catholic teachings, calling it “politically charged,” “anti-Christ” and a “sex symbol,” saying their petitions have garnered thousands of signatures.  

“When I tell you the decisions you make here today could save a life, it is not an exaggeration,” said Jessica Jakab, president of the local unit of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association representing high school teachers. “The rainbow flag serves as a symbol. It tells staff and students, ‘We see you, we care about you and we love you.’ ” 

But teacher Genevieve Carson described the cross as “the most powerful and inclusive symbol of all,” saying, “Don’t let us be bullied into displaying secular and, in my opinion, scandalous symbols.”

“This is a culture war,” said Carson. “It’s the progressives versus those who adhere to the challenging, but timeless, wise and loving teachings of the faith ... Sadly, our children are caught in the crossfire.”

In 2021, trustees voted in favour of flying the rainbow flag outside the main administrative office during June, which is Pride month. But controversy ensued. 

In June 2024 trustees voted to amend the policy, resulting in two significant changes to the current policy that have prohibited the rainbow flag from being flown outside the main office, and restricting its display inside schools.

The board-wide policy now states that if a building has one flagpole it must fly the Canadian flag; if there’s a second pole it must have the provincial flag; and if there’s a third it must have a flag associated with the liturgical year. (Most of the board’s buildings have one flagpole. The only sites with three are the board’s main office, a high school and a joint-use facility that includes a City of Mississauga community centre.)

The policy also includes new language that says flags inside schools “in support of particular observances” can only be displayed in “limited” areas and “shall be removed when the observance period ends.” This means rainbow flags can only be up during June.

At the meeting, one teacher said “since the implementation of this policy, some students and staff have been directed to remove all rainbow flags and materials in their schools,” while another teacher noted that in November a Pride flag was removed from a class that served as a safe space for students.

Trustee Brea Corbet said the current policy has “caused significant harm” to the LGBTQ community, which are already at increased risk of experiencing bullying, harassment and mental health issues.

“It’s become regressive and oppressive,” said Corbet, noting while the focus is on the rainbow flag, the current policy prohibits a variety of flags from flying outside the main office. For instance, the Pan-African flag can’t be flown in February, which is Black History Month. 

“We’ve excluded flags we used to allow to fly and display inside schools all year,” she said. “When we remove rainbow flags, or other heritage flags, we’re not protecting Catholic identity. We’re revealing institutional fragility. The rainbow flag doesn’t threaten Catholic education, policies of exclusion do. And exclusion is a strong form of bullying.”  

Trustee Paula Dametto-Giovannozzi, who described herself as “unapologetically Catholic,” said she consulted with local bishops and local cardinals who say the cross is “our symbol for inclusivity of all children of God.” She also contacted two constitutional lawyers who assured her the board can promote Catholic teaching, adding, “We are protected by both the Charter and the Constitution.” 

“The LGBTQ+ community is not our enemy,” said Dametto-Giovannozzi. “We are not judging, but we are also not promoting. We don’t want to outwardly promote because our faith doesn’t allow us to ... A Catholic school board should not promote any political or cultural belief that is not biblical.”

Trustees debated a staff recommendation that the current policy be updated so sites with three flagpoles can fly a flag representing ShareLife, which is the official annual charitable appeal of the Archdiocese of º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøthat raises funds for Catholic agencies. Or, it could fly a board flag, such as one with its “We All Belong” logo.

Corbet moved a motion that would have permitted flags “in support of particular observances” on the third flagpole — this would include the rainbow flag — and allowed schools to display flags inside for as long as they want. No elected trustee supported her; the three student trustees did, but their vote doesn’t count.

Trustee Darryl D’Souza introduced a motion that the third flagpole only fly a flag with the board’s logo and the words Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. It passed with the support of all elected trustees, except Corbet.

The matter will go to a Jan. 28 board meeting for an official vote.