University of Calgary denied participation in 2026 Pride Parade
Calgary Pride rejected the institution's application, citing the university's 2024 response to a pro-Palestinian encampment and an active court case, though student groups may still march.
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The University of Calgary will not march as an institution in this year's Calgary Pride Parade after organizers denied its application to participate.
Calgary Pride cited the university's treatment of protesters during a pro-Palestinian encampment that was forcibly removed from campus in 2024, and noted an active court case filed in 2026 stemming from those events. "The decision reflects community concerns about the University's response to the pro-Palestinian encampment that was forcibly removed from campus in 2024, and the broader impact of these events on the community," the organization said in a statement.
Calgary Pride clarified the denial does not stem from the University of Calgary's Fairness and Safety in Sports Policy, adopted in September after Alberta's Bill 29 required female athletes in women's sports to be assigned female at birth. "The legislation was enacted by the provincial government, and institutions are legally required to comply with it," Calgary Pride said.
The university acknowledged the change, saying "The University of Calgary's participation in the Calgary Pride Parade will look different this year." However, students, faculty associations, campus advocacy groups, and alumni may still march individually, provided they do not use the university logo and do not represent themselves as the institution.
Wylie Pietsch, vice-president of the University of Calgary's Graduate Students' Association and chair of its gender and sexuality alliance, said the GSA has filed an application to march and is working with the university on campus pride events in September. But Pietsch argued the university must do far more. The institution has dismantled its office of equity, diversity and inclusion and removed roles supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ students, including the academic director position.
"They do need to show that they are willing to do more than just host events during one week out of the year," Pietsch said. "For true reconciliation to happen with the queer community, they need to take steps beyond the events."
Mount Royal University said it looks forward to participating in this year's parade, which it has done since 2012. In past years, Calgary Pride has barred political parties and police from marching.
The facts
Why was the University of Calgary denied participation in the 2026 Calgary Pride Parade?
Calgary Pride rejected the University of Calgary's application citing the institution's 2024 treatment of protesters during a pro-Palestinian encampment that was forcibly removed from campus, and an active court case filed in 2026 stemming from those events.
Can University of Calgary students still march in the 2026 Calgary Pride Parade?
Yes, students, faculty, campus advocacy groups, and alumni may march individually, provided they do not use the university logo and do not represent themselves as the institution.
What policy did the University of Calgary adopt that Calgary Pride said did not factor into its decision?
The University of Calgary adopted its Fairness and Safety in Sports Policy in September, which requires female athletes in women's sports to be assigned female at birth. Calgary Pride clarified this policy did not stem its denial, noting the institution is legally required to comply with Alberta's Bill 29.
