A vibrant crosswalk celebrating diversity at Spencer Middle School in Langford opened on Feb. 29.
It has been a difficult road for the Progress Flag crosswalk as it was the recent target of vandalism, leaving the students devasted.
That changed when support came in from other students around Langford, said Georgia Banner, a student at Spencer Middle School and a member of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Club,
“When the crosswalk got vandalized, it made me angry and upset. But it made me feel better. When the Millstream Elementary School students decided to stand up with us,” said Banner.
The SOGI club had petitioned the municipal government to install the Progress Flag crosswalk at the school, and it was approved immediately.
“It makes Spencer (Middle School) and all schools a better place and a more open and welcoming space.”
Banner said that it can be challenging for young members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to feel included, and a simple gesture would make them feel like they belong in the City of Langford.
“The Progress Flag crosswalk is a symbol and statement of being free to be who you are. And not to be who you are not.”
Spencer Middle School principal Jen Nixon said they were incredibly proud of the work done by her students, and she believed that they would go on to be great representatives of their community.
“I am so proud of the Spencer students and SOGI club members. It takes courage and bravery to stand up for human rights.”
The crosswalk is much more than paint on the ground, said Nixon, and it represents the school’s commitment to fostering a positive and unwavering devotion to inclusivity and acceptance.
“It represents hope… And it shows that all of our students and our community members, regardless of their sexual orientation, skin colour, religion, beliefs, and culture, are respected.”
Mayor Scott Goodmanson said that the crosswalk is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion and would be a visual display of the City of Langford’s support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“The thoughtful leadership by Langford youth is incredible and inspiring,” said Goodmanson.
READ MORE: Pride crosswalk in Langford installed, vandalized, restored in short order