Vandalism at Graminia School
October 19, 2022 - Parkland School Division and Graminia School are currently cooperating with the RCMP in an active investigation related to some recent vandalism to the rainbow crosswalk at Graminia School.
In PSD, it is expected that all members of the school community demonstrate, and ensure, that a sense of belonging, for all staff, students and community members, exists in all places. As such, one of the Division’s priorities is a specific focus on community, equity and belonging. Any deliberate attacks on this work or directly towards students or staff in the LGBTQ2S+ community are taken very seriously.
“We were shocked and saddened after being informed of what appears to be a despicable act and direct display of aggression towards the LGBTQ2S+ community. Any attack towards a minority, and especially towards children, is to be condemned and we hope whomever is responsible for this is exposed and brought to justice. As an act like this is traumatic in nature, necessary support is in place for staff and students at the school who may feel targeted by this discovery.” - Shauna Boyce, Superintendent
“At Parkland School Division, we are committed to keeping all students feeling safe and welcome. These actions are never okay, especially when you are dealing with the ripple effects this may have on staff and students.” - Lorraine Stewart, PSD Board Chair
Please read the release issued by the RCMP:
Parkland RCMP investigate possible hate crime
Parkland County, Alta. – On Oct. 16, 2022, at approximately 10 a.m., Parkland RCMP received a report of a severed pig’s head that had been left on the rainbow Pride crosswalk painted at Graminia School in Parkland County.
The pig is believed to be a domesticated pig. Its head was severed with a bladed instrument. Its placement in the center of the crosswalk appears to have been intentional and designed to disturb students, staff and parents. Due to these circumstances, investigators are treating this incident as a possible hate crime targeted at the school, which has a Gay-Straight Alliance.
“An unsophisticated person might think this was a prank. An objective viewer would see it as highly intolerant and provocative,” says Staff Sergeant Ian Gillan of Parkland RCMP.
Parkland RCMP are seeking any information that may assist the investigation. In particular, police are seeking the following information:
Any suspicious activity in the area between the evening of Oct. 15, 2022, to the late morning of Oct. 16, 2022. Information pertaining to recently missing or mutilated pigs. Butchers and meat packers who recently sold, or had a pig’s head stolen, are also asked to contact Parkland RCMP.
The RCMP encourages all victims and witnesses to report any hate-motivated crime or incident to their local police of jurisdiction. Reporting hate-motivated incidents, no matter how minor they may seem, can help Police better target crime prevention efforts in the communities. It can also help identify trends and prevent a possible escalation towards violence.
If you are able to provide information regarding this incident, please contact the Parkland RCMP at 825-220-2000. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
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