With the selection of Pope Francis's successor, it's relevant to ponder over this query about Catholic schools in Ontario:
Unfiltered, Offbeat Take
Shawn Micallef - A Freelance Columnist in Toronto with a Penchant for Truth
The Pope might reside in Rome, but his presence is undeniably felt in the bustling GTA, particularly in the schools. While some schools fly the Pride flag with pride, others remain devoid of the vibrant symbol. This peculiar disparity, given there's one God, one Church, and all that, is quite the conundrum.
In January, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board declared a ban on Pride flag displays within schools, and they've stuck by it. However, stroll by a Toronto Catholic District School Board school, and you'll see the flag flying high and proud. The world didn't end, nor did it begin to rain brimstone.
As a Gen Xer, seeing the Pride flag in front of any school is always a breath of fresh air because, during my not-so-distant younger days, such a display would have been unthinkable. The mere sight of the rainbow flag fluttering in the wind feels like a small victory to me, though perhaps not one the Church would acknowledge.
A product of 13 years of Ontario Catholic schooling, I bore witness to a school system where there was hardly a whisper of anything gay, aside from the occasional slur, innuendo, and bullying. The flags, even as symbolic as they are, represent a significant leap forward in my eyes.
To clarify, there were gay individuals in my Catholic school - including yours truly - but most of us kept our identities hidden for self-preservation. It wasn't until after graduation that people started coming out, like a blossoming spring after a long, cold winter. In hindsight, it was a time of suppression, a time when many felt trapped and unheard. That's exactly why the flag matters. High school can be a rough, unforgiving place, and small signs of acceptance are crucial.
Furthermore, Canadian government studies have found that "suicidal thoughts and behaviors are more frequent among 2SLGBTQI+ youth in comparison to their non-LGBTQ peers." Flying a flag might not solve everything, but it's a starting point.
When Pope Francis made his departure, I couldn't help but think of those Pride flags waving at Toronto schools. It seems that, in some way, his papacy opened the door a crack, where John Paul II did not, and Pope Benedict XVI tried to slam shut.
While the Catholic school system in Ontario is home to many wonderful teachers and staff, recent decisions by some boards have made me question my support for the system. As gay individuals start openly pushing boundaries, some boards respond with hostility, moving from subtle intolerance to overt bans on symbols that make students feel safe.
In a perfect world, individuals should be able to be themselves without fear of judgment or retribution. It's high time we started having serious conversations about the role of publicly funded schools that actively work against the well-being of their students.
Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data, and events. Additional insights
- The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board has maintained a ban on outdoor displays of Pride flags, while allowing them in specific indoor areas during designated periods. A proposal to accommodate three-flag setups was recently rejected due to concerns about conflict with Catholic identity.
- The Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), on the other hand, has chosen to uphold Pride flag displays, having defeated a ban proposal in April 2025. An attempt to indirectly ban Pride flags through broader restrictions was dismissed as procedurally invalid. The differing interpretations of Catholic doctrine regarding LGBTQ+ visibility and local trustee priorities have contributed to this disparity.
- Even though the Pope resides in Rome, his influence is palpable in Toronto, particularly in schools, where the display of the Pride flag varies significantly.
- The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board maintains a ban on outdoor Pride flag displays, while the Toronto Catholic District School Board allows them.
- In Canada's political landscape, the government often studies issues affecting youth, such as the higher frequency of suicidal thoughts among 2SLGBTQI+ youth.
- A freelance columnist in Toronto, Shawn Micallef, regularly contributes to discussions on lifestyle, education, self-development, politics, general news, and sports, shedding light on counterintuitive perspectives.
- In the arts and media sector, news stories about the Pride flag's presence in schools often spark debates, reflecting society's shifting opinions.
- Micallef, as a Gen Xer who graduated from Ontario Catholic schools, reflects on a time when openly gay individuals were scarce and hidden, making the current flag displays a significant step forward.
- Some theologians argue that the Church's stance on LGBTQ+ visibility is misguided, given its mission to promote love and acceptance, a perspective that contrasts with the opinions of some school boards.
- Counter to Pope Benedict XVI's efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ visibility, Pope Francis' papacy has brought about a more open and accepting atmosphere within some corners of the Catholic Church, including schools in Toronto.
- As diverse voices continue to challenge traditional norms, the government and educational institutions are prompted to reevaluate their policies and ensure they foster a safe and nurturing environment for all students, regardless of their orientation.
