While praising Peel’s diversity and supporting anti-bullying initiatives, Wilkinson said the LGBTQ community is no safer for the flag’s display.

“If the board as an institution wades into hot button issues, if it takes sides, it affirms one side while attacking another. That’s an unfair use of power.”

She later said Muslim parents at her daughter’s school were “forced to go to the assembly where the flag was raised,” although students were allowed to stand at the side if they felt uncomfortable.

They didn’t know of the flag-raising in advance but understood what was happening violated many of their belief systems. “That’s a terrible position to put kids in.”

Trustees referred the request to staff for a response at their Sept. 24 board meeting.

In an interview, chair Janet McDougald said the board received requests to fly the Pride flag for many years before agreeing. “The focus was on student safety, which is our Number 1 priority,” she said.

“We have lots of diversity in our schools and we want those students to feel comfortable,” she added.

“I think the Pride Flag demonstrates that to them and to staff.”

If anyone was forced to participate in the flag-raising, “that was done in error,” McDougald said, pointing out that parents have the right to opt out of many programs that may conflict with parental values, such as sex education.

Board staff are doing a follow-up report to set criteria for flying flags. The board anticipates additional requests, the chair said.

** Editor's Note: This story was updated on Monday, Sept. 17 at 11:24 a.m. to include the name of the school Pam Wilkinson's daughter attends.