On Wednesday, Sep. 20, 2023, during a protest against the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the school curriculum, a pride flag was torn down. The large, 10-foot by 20-foot flag had been affixed to the outside of the Alberta Teachers’ Association building’s parkade at 142 Street and 111 Avenue, facing 142 Street. It was found on the ground outside of the parkade, torn to the point that it was no longer usable.
The EPS Hate Crimes Unit provided front line officers with consultation and investigative support during the protest, and is assisting with this investigation.
Two unknown males were seen on surveillance footage running through the parkade during the protest. Police are circulating the suspects’ images in the hopes that someone may be able to identify them.
Anyone who can identify the suspects is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
Report Hate Crime
The EPS takes hate-motivated incidents and crimes very seriously. These events hurt not only the victim, but the vicarious trauma has an impact on entire communities. Hate incidents can now be reported online. Hate crime should be reported to police at 911 if it’s an emergency, or 780-423-4567 if it is not an emergency.
For more information about the difference between hate-motivated incidents and hate-motivated crime, visit the EPS website.