Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town is facing controversy after an alumni committee called for the Pride flag to be removed from the school’s flagpoles.
The Old Diocesan Committee wrote to the school council asking that only three official flags be displayed. These are the South African flag, the Bishops flag and the St George’s flag.
Ten committee members reportedly supported the position while one abstained.
The committee argued that the three official flags represent the entire school community without aligning Bishops with contested causes.
It said displaying additional flags could force the school to repeatedly decide which causes deserve official recognition.
Pride Flag Flies During June
The committee specifically raised concerns about the Pride flag, which Bishops displays during Pride Month in June.
It said gay and lesbian pupils should feel welcome and safe, but argued that the school should communicate this through its conduct rather than a flag.
The committee also called on Bishops to publish its full flag policy should the council continue allowing other banners to be flown.
Alumnus Accuses Committee of Targeting Pupils
Comedian and Bishops alumnus Anton Taylor publicly rejected the committee’s position.
Taylor, who previously served on the committee, said the Pride flag had been displayed for years and only flies for two days annually.
He accused the committee of creating an unnecessary controversy that could harm gay pupils. Taylor has since cut ties with the committee but said he still loves the school.
School Stands by Inclusion Policy
Bishops principal Tony Reeler told parents that the school’s third flagpole would continue rotating between different cause flags.
These include flags for Africa Day, Cancer Awareness, Movember, World Aids Day, the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Springboks and Pride.
Reeler said the school views the flags as symbols of inclusion.
A group of parents, staff, alumni and supporters has also opposed the committee’s demand. The group, called Supporting A Progressive Bishops, received more than 300 signatures from members of the school community.
It described the Pride flag as a small but meaningful gesture showing pupils that they are valued, supported and included.
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