Two schools in the metro area had their rainbow Pride flags go missing over the weekend.
Schools around the province have been flying the flags in support of the LGBTQQIP2SAA community for Pride Month, however, Mount Pearl Senior High and Paradise Elementary both reported that their Pride flags had disappeared.
Paradise community keep your eyes open for a Pride flag….the school’s Pride flag went missing. We are very disappointed to have found the flagpole empty this morning. Hoping it will be returned. Our students were proud to have it flying in front of our school. @townofparadise pic.twitter.com/wq8JxpVXmA
— Paradise Elementary (@paradiseelem) June 12, 2021
On Saturday, a woman and two kids were walking through a tunnel near the school in Mount Pearl when they found the burnt remains of one of the flags.
Ashley Penney, who is herself a member of the LGBTQ+ community, was “disappointed” to see such an incident.
She says it’s not right for children to stumble upon what she calls “hate crime.”
Paradise Elementary has replaced its flag and is flying it proudly once again. It is not known who was responsible for the burning of the flag from Mount Pearl Senior High.
Flying again, strong and proud #pride pic.twitter.com/UpEBitoel9
— Paradise Elementary (@paradiseelem) June 13, 2021