PROGRESS PRIDE CROSSWALK
City of Langford and Sooke School District stand for solidarity and inclusion

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the City of Langford installed a progress pride crosswalk at Spencer Middle School. The initiative was brought forward by members of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identities (SOGI) Club at Spencer Middle School to increase safety, awareness, and inclusivity at school. It was a collaborative opportunity with Spencer Middle School students to celebrate Langford's diversity and honour the 2SLGBTQA+ community. The progress pride flag includes colours to represent Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC).

Within hours of installation, the crosswalk fell victim to vandalism, marked by skid marks, but swift action from City staff ensured its prompt repair, minimizing the negative impact on community members affected by such thoughtless and malicious behavior. Regrettably, the crosswalk suffered another act of vandalism and hate overnight, this time defaced with spray paint alongside skid marks.

"We live in a time where the most vulnerable community members need strong allies in leadership roles and reinforced messages of support from the community," shared Langford Councilor, Kimberley Guiry, who worked closely with members of the SOGI Club to bring this initiate forward. "Vandalism and hate are never appropriate and have no place in our community. As residents and neighbours, we can do so much better than vandalizing a symbol of acceptance. This student led initiative of a progressive pride crosswalk at Spencer Middle School is a fantastic opportunity for Langford to provide wrap around community love and acceptance for youth, youth who need to feel seen and valued for who they are. It is also a signal to the broader community that Langford is a city that values equity, inclusion, and diversity. Council will continue moving forward with initiatives that support diversity and we look to residents to value and take care of each other and show that acceptance is our strength."

"We are saddened for our students and their families who feel less welcome and safe in our community," shared Superintendent Paul Block. "It's crucial to recognize that today's students are tomorrow's leaders. Empowering them to embrace their identities and champion tolerance and acceptance is essential for cultivating a future characterized by compassion and equity, where everyone can live without fear of prejudice or violence."

"I am disturbed and saddened by the recent act of vandalism that targeted the new rainbow crosswalk outside Spencer Middle School, a symbol of love, hope, and community unity," shared Ravi Parmar, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Langford-Juan de Fuca. "Such ignorant and hateful acts have no place here, and I share in the collective outrage of our community. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the City of Langford, School District 62, and most importantly, the students, for their demonstration of kindness and resilience in the face of hate. Their actions reminds us all the strength found in unity and compassion. It is through their example that we are shown the true spirit of our community."

The vandalism has been reported to West Shore RCMP who are investigating. Both the City of Langford and the Sooke School District stand united in denouncing hate and intolerance within the community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to working together towards fostering inclusivity and understanding for all. The progressive pride flag has been raised at Langford City Hall as an additional show of solidarity to the community.