The South Shore Regional Centre for Education (SSRCE) has reversed a directive that limited outdoor flagpoles at schools to only the Canadian and Nova Scotian flags.

Diversity flags representing communities such as Mi’kmaw, African Nova Scotian, and 2SLGBTQ+ are now being returned to school flagpoles across the region.

The decision to temporarily remove the flags from outside display sparked public concern, including from the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, which said many educators were upset by the move.

SSRCE executive director Angela Gladwin said the shift was never intended to be permanent and was originally introduced as the board reviewed flag protocols and dealt with damaged flags. During that time, schools were asked to move diversity flags indoors.

“After hearing the concerns of school communities, we are immediately reinstating the flying of various diversity flags outside our school buildings,” Gladwin wrote in a public statement. “I sincerely apologize to all those hurt by the temporary relocation.”

Nova Scotia’s education minister, Brendan Maguire, says his department expects diversity to be represented visibly in all schools.

“We want to make sure our schools encapsulate the diversity of our province,” said Maguire. “It’s not about taking those flags away — they still have to be up and in a prominent position.”

Maguire says one flag in poor condition prompted the move indoors, but it was not meant to remove representation or offend anyone.

SSRCE says some schools have already begun reinstalling the flags outdoors. The board says it is continuing to review proper flag protocols while committing to supporting inclusive and respectful school environments.