Update 3:50 p.m.
Surveillance footage revealed that the vandalism occurred on Oct. 28 at 6:55 p.m. It captured a suspect who appeared to be male, wearing dark clothing, a mask, and gloves.
鈥溋鹆裆� has a long history of diversity and inclusion of all our citizens, this behavior is disappointing and completely unacceptable,鈥� said Inspector Beth McAndie, 琉璃神社 RCMP. 鈥淲e will continue to investigate all reports of hate speech and crimes of this nature in an effort to identify those responsible.鈥�
Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious on that evening, or has dashcam footage that may have recorded something of interest, contact the RCMP at (250) 762-3300 and reference file number 2023-64754.
Individuals wishing to remain anonymous but have information can contact Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip on the Crimestoppers.
Original
A rainbow crosswalk in front of the Central Okanagan School District office was vandalized in what officials are calling a 鈥渃owardly attack鈥�.
The vandalism was quickly cleaned up on the morning of Oct. 30, before it was seen by children who were on their way to school.
鈥淭his is a despicable thing for an adult to do鈥t is a symbol of inclusion,鈥� said SD23 in a statement to Capital News.
The 琉璃神社 RCMP has confirmed that the rainbow crosswalk located in front of the School District 23 office on Hollywood Road was vandalized. Footage of the vandalism was sent to police and an investigation is currently taking place, confirmed Const. Mike Della-Paolera.
The suspect who reportedly defaced the rainbow art crosswalk appeared to be an adult who was wearing a mask.
The vandalism allegedly contained misinformation, according to the district.
鈥淪chools are focused on learning. It is important that youth feel like they belong in order to learn鈥eople have to know that they鈥檙e safe,鈥� said an SD23 spokesperson.
The school district condemns the 鈥渃owardly attack鈥� and maintains a zero tolerance for hate policy within their schools.
Recently, trustee Wayne Broughton voiced his disappointment at what he called frightening confrontational scenes played out at a September protest based largely on misinformation about the role public schools play in both the influence of gender and sexual identity of students and the application of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) 123 program.
The school district has released a which was also supported by teachers, support staff and parent advisory council saying that 鈥渢he human rights of trans and LGBTQ2SAI+ people are not up for debate.鈥�
鈥淭he BC SOGI Educator Network helps to make our schools more inclusive and welcoming so that children can express themselves in their own unique way,鈥� said the school district.
