Pride crosswalk ribbon-cutting goes ahead despite vandalism
The official opening of the Pride crosswalk at Spencer Middle School went ahead Thursday, despite lingering traces of red paint and tire tracks left by vandals last month.
Principal Jen Nixon said a security camera is in place to deter further damage.
Jorja Banner, a member of Spencer’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Club, cut the ribbon for the crosswalk.
She was one of the students who led the effort to get the crosswalk installed, and said she hopes it makes both students and adults feel welcome. “I mostly wanted it so all the kids can be who they are instead of society making them something they aren’t,” she said.
Jorja said she was “angry and upset” when the crosswalk was vandalized, but that changed when students from Millstream Elementary stepped in to show their support. “They made rainbow chalk crosswalks around their school,” she said. “They also sent us drawings and cards.”
Nixon said the crosswalk “symbolizes so much more than just colourful paint on the ground.” “It represents our unwavering commitment to fostering a community where every individual is not only accepted, but also honoured and celebrated for exactly who they are and who they want to be.”
She said the vandalism shows there is still discrimination and prejudice in the world.
“Let’s think about the colours of the crosswalk, and let’s let them serve as a powerful reminder of the progress that we have made and the work and the journey that lies ahead.”
Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson, who attended the ceremony, praised the students behind the crosswalk for their “thoughtful leadership.”