9 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,M ay 6,2021 insidehalton.com Join us for an AGM like no other! May 27, 2021, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. SPEAIAL GUEST SPEAKER, DONOVAN BAILEY Register at www.theocf.org Photo: Claus Andersen (The following letter was ad- dressed to the Halton Catholic Dis- trict School Board trustees, and a copy was filed with Metroland Hal- ton newspapers). We, the 2SLGBTQIA+ student community of Halton, are appalled by your decision to not fly the Pride flag outside Halton Catholic District School Board schools this June. This isn't a matter of opinion; this is a matter of justice and sup- port for us queer students who have faced decades of harassment, abuse and hate for our gender identity and sexual orientation. The Pride flag represents diver- sity and inclusivity for all mem- bers of the 2SLGBTQIA+ commu- nity and allies. By not flying the flag during the month of June, you are creating a space for homopho- bia, transphobia and hate in our schools. You are telling students, staff and families that they don't matter. On your website, you state that the board is "committed to creat- ing safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environments that sup- port student achievement and well-being." -- Human Rights and Equity, HCDSB This recent decision, however, blatantly contradicts this state- ment and shows a lack of care for us queer students. We are fearful for the hate this decision will en- able in our schools. While we welcome the proposal to further educate teachers on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, it is no sub- stitution for flying the Pride flag. By flying the Pride flag, you demonstrate to the community that your schools are safe places where students, staff and families are seen and supported. By not fly- ing the flag, you are telling the community that 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and families are not seen and do not matter. As those affected by this disap- pointing vote, we ask why this de- cision was made and what the HCDSB will be doing to ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ students are sup- ported to the full extent. Will the trustees of the Halton Catholic District School board stand up for the rights of the stu- dents they're supposed to serve and fly the Pride flag this June? Caleb Smolenaars and Hayden Stagg 2SLGBTQIA+ Students of Halton DECISION NOT TO RAISE PRIDE FLAG TRULY DISAPPOINTING OPINION LETTER TO THE EDITOR Halton Catholic District School Board trustees have decided against raising the Pride flag at local schools. Metroland file photo SCAN FOR MORE Scan this code for more local opinions. I was really disappointed that the Halton Catholic School Board trustees voted against flying the Pride flag in June. I live in Oakville and I start- ed displaying Pride flags out- side of my house last June. We have some time to organize. If you live in Halton, please con- sider decking out your door- way for Pride Month. Let's show the LGBTQ2S+ kids that their community sup- ports them. I don't want to promote one company over another, but you can do a search for Pride flags and order them now to be ready. Claire Broome Oakville SUPPORT OUR LGBTQ2S+ YOUTH LETTER TO THE EDITOR Basic includes: Quick Vacuum of Seats/Carpets/ Mats*; Rubber Mats Washed; Clean Inside/ Outside Windows Quick Dusting of Dash/Console Exterior Wash and Rinse with Heated and Filtered Fresh Water Vehicle Hand Dried; Rims Sprayed and Scrubbed; Rust Inhibitor; Exterior Bug Wash; Tri Ploy Shine Wax; Clear Coat Sealer; All Jambs Cleaned and Dried; Under Car Spray salt removal; Exterior Windows & Side View Mirrors Cleaned $29.99* $9.99* -Surcharge for larger vehicles Basic In & Out Car Wash Express exterior Home of the 905-823-1000 2380 ROYAL WINDSOR DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, L5J1K7 WWW.CARPRIDEAUTOSPA.COM NO APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED