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The Lakehead Public School Board and Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board were both advocating for students to return to the classroom before the end of the academic year.
Counter-protesters wave signs at members of Parents as First Educators driving past TCDSB offices. (Staff Photo)
Pride was on display as a protest and counter-protest played out at the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board.
Around a dozen members of the Catholic group that the board identified as “Parents as First Educators” circled the block, displaying signs opposing the TCDSB’s decision to fly the rainbow pride flag later this month.
They were outnumbered by around 50 people who support the Board, including Rainbow Collective President Jason Veltri, who says it was a great way to start Pride month.
“Pride is inherently political, and it’s a protest. It started in New York City with Stonewall, and here we are continuing this, 52 years later. We’re still here having to protest for our rights and acceptance in the world, not just in Catholic schools,” Veltri says.
The Thunder Bay Catholic District School will fly the Pride flag in June.
In a statement Wednesday, board officials confirm that they, along with Thunder Pride, are working on plans for events throughout the month that will maintain COVID-19 safety precautions.
The decision is being met with applause by both Thunder Pride and the Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay.
“We’re looking forward to working with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board for this upcoming pride month,” noted Pride Chair Ashley Moreau. “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with the schools GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) groups and look forward to providing PD and workshops within the Board environment.”