‘Aligns with the teaching of Jesus’: Parent urges York Region Catholic board to raise Pride flag

Yorkregion.com
May 31, 2021

Scott Cholewa, a parent of two young children, has urged York Region Catholic District School Board to raise the Pride flag this June to signal inclusion and give a confirmation that everyone is accepted, during a May 25 board meeting.

“Raising the flag signifies everyone is welcome, further signals to the community that there are no limitations on who is or who isn't welcomed,” Cholewa said during his deputation.

“There is an opportunity in front of us to follow other leaders such as Toronto Catholic District School Board, the largest publicly funded Catholic school board, and the Waterloo Catholic board in raising the Pride flag (for the first time) at the board office in all schools across York Region,” he explained.

In late April, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board said it will fly the pride flag in June for the first time ever. In early May, TCDSB also announced that it will raise the Pride flag this June too.

The domino effect is now including Ottawa, Niagara and Durham Catholic boards who will be flying the Pride flag. However, in late April, Halton Catholic District School Board voted against flying the flag.

For Cholewa, raising the Pride flag will speak volumes of how inclusive schools are, especially since students spend the majority of their time there.

“It doesn't leave them on the sidelines, it doesn't leave them in the 19th, 20th century; it aligns with the teachings of Jesus and includes everyone and treating them as they wish.”

In a nutshell, the parent explained how raising the Pride flag is simply a low-cost, nonverbal signal to confirm acceptance, and “highly progressive and immensely meaningful to everyone.”

With Pride month celebrated every June, YCDSB trustees heard Cholewa’s proposal but made no comment or asked any question. The onus is on the trustees to debate raising the flag and moving it as a motion to turn it into reality.

Mike Totten, acting president for the York Region branch of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association, expressed his support for raising the Pride flag.

“I believe it would be a progressive step for the board to show the LGBTQ community that the board is indeed an ally and that our school communities are truly open and accepting for all students,” Totten said. “We are certainly in support of Mr. Cholewa’s request to have the Pride flag flown at the Board office.”

YCDSB'S RESPONSE

When Yorkregion.com asked the board if they are going to raise the flag, it said, "The Cross outside YCDSB Catholic schools is the symbol we use to signal our commitment that all who enter the building are welcomed and loved in their beauty and uniqueness as children of God."

It continued, "As Catholics, we believe that all are made in the image and likeness of God, who loves us unconditionally just as we are because we are wonderfully made."

The board also said during June, and each and every month, YCDSB schools are "committed to nurturing safe and inclusive learning environments where every student and every member of the community is welcomed, valued, and respected -- just as they are."

"As the Archbishop of Toronto, His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, stated in a recent letter, the Cross is the ultimate symbol of inclusion in our Catholic school communities. The Cross is the primary symbol of our Christian faith: it draws us to contemplate the generous and sacrificial love of Jesus, as he lay down his life for all of us."