Pride flag destroyed by fire at Toronto school, community replaces it with messages of support

A fabric Pride flag created by students at R.H. McGregor Elementary School in Toronto's east end was destroyed by fire over the weekend, but the school community has responded by creating a new display of support.

Students made the intersex-inclusive Pride flag in late June as a Pride Month activity. On July 5, parents learned it had been burned in what may have been vandalism. Toronto police's hate crime unit is now investigating.

Since the fire, the school community has come together to create an ad hoc display with rainbow flags, student-made signs decorated with beads, and positive messages. Principal Denise Colby said the original display represented the school's commitment to creating "a welcoming, inclusive and respectful community" and that students took time and care to create it. The school is already making plans to replace the display.

The school community has also written an open letter to municipal and provincial elected representatives asking them to stand against hate and to create a permanent rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Mortimer and Durant avenues near Coxwell, which is used by many students. Mayor Olivia Chow spoke to a member of the school's parent council Friday and expressed support for the crosswalk proposal. Toronto Fire responded to the fire at 6:55 p.m. on July 5, but it appeared to be out when they arrived and was smouldering. The cause remains unknown.