Pride crosswalk vandalized
By Mo Cranker on October 1, 2018.
SUBMITTED PHOTO A look at the damage caused by vandals at the rainbow crosswalk at Medicine Hat College.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com @MHNmocranker Medicine Hat’s rainbow crosswalk had a large amount of white paint dumped on it early Saturday morning — less than one week after it was unveiled at Medicine Hat College. The Medicine Hat Police Service is currently investigating the matter and is using the college’s surveillance footage as a tool within its investigation. “Every case like this is different” said Staff Sgt. Jason Graham. “I can’t say how much footage we have — but it’s going to be a part of our investigation.” Graham says the paint was poured on the crosswalk shortly after midnight Saturday. The paint has been cleaned off of the crosswalk, but an outline of where it sat is still visible. “We’re disappointed,” said associate vice-president of student development Irlanda Price. “While we’re disappointed, we’re not going to change our path and our commitment. “The symbol of having a rainbow crosswalk at the college shows that we are inclusive and we want everyone to feel safe here.” The college sent an email out to its students Saturday informing them of the vandalism. “The purpose of the Pride crosswalk is to promote inclusivity, equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. While we celebrate the many strides toward providing equality for people who identify as LGBTQ+, we also recognize that more needs to be done. Our crosswalk is a statement of inclusion for all. We will restore the crosswalk and continue to stand by what it symbolizes.” A press release from the MHPS states that two people wearing all black poured the paint on the crosswalk early Saturday — and it cost about $200 to clean everything up. Local Pride Association chair Becki Korhonen says the vandalism is disappointing to see. “This was just really not good news for us to hear,” she said. “We saw what happened in Taber and Lethbridge and now we’re seeing it here, too. “With the crosswalk at the college — it’s an embassy — it welcomes people to the city from all over the place. This was about accepting everyone for who they are. This isn’t just about the LGBTQ community, it’s about everyone going to that college.” 15
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