A-11 Flag Protocol

The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) recognizes the significance and importance of flying flags at schools and administrative sites. Flags provide the opportunity to show support symbolically for days of significance, significant events and important social causes. Flying flags at half-mast gives the DSBN, and schools a way to express mourning and solidarity.

The DSBN will display flags with dignity and respect. This policy is aligned with and supports the principles and expectations of the DSBN’s policies for Safe Schools (G-02) and Equity and Inclusive Education (G-03). This policy shall be interpreted to be consistent with all DSBN policies and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The DSBN follows the Government of Canada’s etiquette for flying the National Flag of Canada. These guidelines are not mandatory; however, they provide information to assist when flying the National Flag of Canada, as well as other flags.

Flags other than the Canadian Flag are permitted to be flown throughout the year at schools and administrative sites according to the guidelines below. A list of dates of significance and associated flags will be distributed annually before the start of the school year.

Ongoing collaboration with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit partners will help guide the DSBN to respectfully display flags representing significant events and/or days of importance to Indigenous communities.

Flags that are flown on dates of significance, such as Pride Month or Autism Awareness Day, will be flown on the wall-mounted flagpole on the school. The Canadian flag will be flown on the main flagpole. Flags cannot be flown under the National Flag of Canada.

As a mark of respect, flags at DSBN schools and worksites shall be flown at half-mast on any day designated as a time of mourning, or for three days following the passing of a current student, employee or member of the Board of Trustees, or special recognition.

Flags may also be flown at half-mast to demonstrate solidarity with a world, national, or local event, for a duration of time determined by the Director of Education.

Flags that become worn or tattered are to be replaced in a timely manner by the school or site.

Requests to raise a flag at a school(s) or work site should be submitted to the appropriate area superintendent. Final approval will be made by the Director of Education or designate.