Police called to Niagara school board meeting amid Pride flag debate [Video]

Police were called into a meeting at the Niagara Catholic District School Board on Tuesday as audience members grew hostile while the board debated a motion to ban the Pride flag from school properties, which was ultimately voted down.

The motion, introduced by trustee Natalia Benoit, would have amended the board’s flag protocol to specify that the Pride flag would not be flown on school grounds or offices, citing the schools’ mission to teach students “within the context of Catholic values.”   

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“Flying the Pride flag is perceived as endorsing a particular social or political stance that is not aligned with the teachings of the Catholic church,” the motion read, adding that inclusivity could be demonstrated “through other means,” such as anti-bullying initiatives.

Jennifer McArthur, president of the Niagara elementary unit of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, opposed the motion at the meeting, saying the Pride flag is a symbol …