Kingston Police revealed images of the vandalized flags at the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre in a July 22 media release.
The images, which depict the five Pride and Indigenous flags horizontally slashed outside of Four Directions, were shared “in the hope of spurring further interest and attention” from the public.
“Upon consultation and with input from Four Directions, Queen’s University, and Campus Security and Emergency Services, we felt that while this is a sensitive manner in showing these photographs, we wanted the Kingston population to know there is little to no doubt this mischief was deliberately conducted and a symbolic affront to the Indigenous nations and LGBTQ2S+ communities whose flags were desecrated,” Crime Prevention Sergeant Steve Koopman wrote in the media release.
READ MORE: Flags vandalized at Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
“Additionally, we hope this will appeal to the conscience of some people and spur them to come forward or provide information,” Koopman added.
The flags were vandalized sometime between June 29 and June 30 and were removed from Four Directions June 30. They were rehung inside of the Centre in a virtual ceremony July 17.
The University intends to permanently install the flags on flagpoles above the Centre prior to September.
READ MORE: Following hate crime, Four Directions replaces flags in virtual ceremony
“We are appealing to the public that if anyone has information regarding this incident, no matter how small, to please reach out to us or even leave an anonymous tip,” Detective Adam Slate wrote in the release. “If you have any knowledge and want to assist us in solving what we believe to be a crime based on racism and hate towards sexual orientation and gender identity then please don’t hesitate to us.”
Kingston Police are asking individuals with information to Detective Slate at [email protected] or call 613-549-4660 ext. 6366.
Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling the Kingston Police general number at 613-549-4660 ext. 0 and asking to remain anonymous. Those interested in remaining anonymous are asked to use occurrence number 20-91627 when calling.
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