'Hate and discrimination have no place in any TVDSB schools': Investigation underway after pride flag torn down
Students at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School in London, Ont. are being investigated after a video was posted online showing students tearing down a LGBTQ2S+ pride flag.
Video obtained by CTV News London shows a student tearing down a pride flag at the secondary school on Tuesday.
The video shows a male proceeding to kick the flag while others surrounding him cheer him on. One student began shouting “take it off” and “put it in the garbage.”
Some students at the school told CTV News London on Wednesday that they’re saddened to see something like this happen, especially during Pride Month and on the second year anniversary of the day the Afzaal family was killed in an alleged hate motivated attack.
Mark Fisher, the director of education at the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) said, “Let me be clear, hate and discrimination have no place in any TVDSB schools.”
Fisher told CTV News London that the pride flag has since been replaced and that the board takes this incident “very seriously.”
“We have contacted the police because we consider this a hate crime. We don’t have any tolerance for any of those activities at any of our schools” Fisher added.
The students involved in the incident are being investigated.
“Based on what they gather students could face suspension or potentially expulsion,” Fisher said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Homeowners brace for mortgage payment shock amid higher-for-longer rate outlook
From ultra-low interest rates that led to a huge spike in real estate demand to the speed with which interest rates shot up to levels not seen in a generation, it's been hard to keep up with the shifting landscape for mortgage holders.
India tells Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country, an official says
India has told Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country, an official familiar with the matter said Tuesday, ramping up a confrontation between the two countries over Canadian accusations that India may have been involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in suburban Vancouver.
Diwali fireworks advisory issued despite warnings it might be discriminatory: emails
An Environment Canada advisory that singled out Diwali fireworks as a reason to prepare for poor air quality last October was issued despite multiple warnings from some staff about it being discriminatory.
Trump seethes through the start of trial in New York lawsuit accusing him of lying about his wealth
Aggrieved and defiant, former U.S. president Donald Trump sat through hours of sometimes testy opening statements Monday in a fraud lawsuit that could cost him control of Trump Tower and other prized properties.
Frequent price increases by businesses contributing to sticky inflation: BoC official
Bank of Canada deputy governor Nicolas Vincent says businesses are still raising their prices more frequently and by larger amounts than they did before the pandemic, which is contributing to higher-than-expected inflation.
New study shows where you fall on new internet addiction spectrum
Researchers have come up with categories for people who are addicted to the internet and for those who are at risk.
Fat Bear Week is happening! Check out the contestants now, start voting Wednesday
The 2023 lineup includes fan favorite Otis, who “moves less to catch more” according to the announcement video, and last year’s winner 747, who is rarely challenged for prime fishing spots. Now it’s time to meet the contenders:
These are the 5 headlines you should read this morning
The House of Commons is set to pick a new Speaker, Manitobans go to the polls today, and homeowners in Canada brace for mortgage payment shock. Here's what you need to know to start your day.
Meta's Instagram, Facebook to charge EU users for ad-free service: source
Meta Platforms is looking to introduce ad-free subscription plans for Instagram and Facebook users in Europe, two people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.