Media Release - Pride Flag Destruction at Emily Stowe Public School

The Corporation of Township of Norwich 

Media Release - Pride Flag Destruction at Emily Stowe Public School

The Township of Norwich is aware of the acts of vandalism that took place at Emily Stowe Public School on May 16, 2025 and on May 24, 2025, where Pride flags were removed from the school’s flagpole and lit on fire.  

One of the goals in Council’s Strategic Plan is for ‘A Healthy and Safe Community’, and this kind of vandalism has no place in our community. The Township stands against acts of violence towards any group within our community, and will continue to work to ensure our community is safe and welcoming for all its members.  

Mayor Jim Palmer said that “the Township believes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, and acts of vandalism and violence such as flag-burning spread a message of hate. They have no place in a welcoming community like Norwich.” 
The Pride Flag will be flown at the Norwich Community Centre from May 30, 2025 to June 6, 2025 to mark Pride Month in Oxford County.  

Media Contact:

Matt Smith, Chief Administrative Officer 
Township of Norwich 
285767 Airport Road, Norwich 
cao@norwich.ca, 519-667-2000 ext. 7615 

The Corporation of The Township of Norwich 
285767 Airport Road  Norwich, Ontario N0J 1P0 
Phone (519) 468-2410  Fax: (519) 468-2414  www.norwich.ca