South Shore education centre reverses decision that banned flying diverse flags

The South Shore Regional Centre for Education has reversed its decision to allow only Canada and Nova Scotia flags to fly outside South Shore schools and is apologizing for the move.

"Our intention has always been to show the utmost respect for the flags and banners that are flown at our schools," the centre's executive director Angela Gladwin wrote in a post on its website Wednesday.

"After hearing the concerns of school communities, we are immediately reinstating the flying of various diversity flags outside our school buildings."

Gladwin explained the "temporary changes" — communicated to schools in a directive on Friday — were implemented to "gain a better understanding of flag protocols" while the centre was in the process of replacing damaged flags. The schools were asked to display all other flags indoors.

The head of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union told The Canadian Press many members were upset flags representing Mi'kmaw, African Nova Scotian, LGBTQ+ and other communities were ordered to be taken down.

On Tuesday, Nova Scotia Education Minister Brendan Maguire said he would tell South Shore schools that they were expected to resume flying flags representing diverse communities.

Gladwin said diversity flags and banners have already started to be moved back outdoors at some schools. She said the centre is continuing to review the "proper protocols" for flying flags to ensure all schools have flags that are in good condition.

"I sincerely apologize to all those hurt by the temporary relocation. We have learned a lot from this experience and we are committed to rebuilding relationships that have been affected," Gladwin wrote.

"It remains very important to SSRCE that our schools and work sites continue to create inclusive environments that both acknowledge and respect our diverse communities."