The Pride flag flying over Harwood Union Middle and High School in north-central Vermont was stolen over the past weekend. In a statement issued soon after the theft, the school’s administrators promised to replace it. The Progress flag had been flying since mid-May and was scheduled to fly through the month of June.
Reports VT Digger:
Based on security camera footage, school officials said they determined that “at 11:57 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, two unidentified individuals lowered the United States flag and Pride flag from the flagpole at Harwood Union High School. The individuals then immediately raised the U.S. flag again and stole the Pride flag.”
[Superintendent Mike ] Leichliter said the people involved were wearing clothing with hoods and they could not be identified from the footage. School leaders have asked that anyone with information about the incident contact the school administration. The incident has also been reported to Vermont State Police, Leichliter said.
The Vermont State Police also has an anonymous tipline where the public may submit information to assist with an investigation.
This is the third year that a Pride flag has flown at Harwood during June in observance of National Pride Month.
“June is Pride Month and dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride. Since 2022 Harwood students have shown overwhelming support in asking the HUUSD School Board to raise the Pride flag at Harwood to support our LGBTQ+ students as well as in commemoration of the larger LGBTQ+ community,” the letter from the administrators said.
“The school is securing a replacement flag and will once again raise it through the month of June as approved by the HUUSD school board,” school leaders said.
Read the complete VT Digger story here.
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