The rainbow flag blowing in the wind in front of schools throughout the region is a sign to many students that there is a safe environment inside.
Two Walkerville High School students spoke about the importance of the symbol at the Pride flag raising ceremony at the Greater Essex County District School Board's main office on Monday.
"It's a moment of realization that we have been able to make it so far into a future where we can be safe at our schools and a moment where we can be proud of who we are," said JiJi Pulos, Grade 12 student.
The flags will be flying throughout the month of June to recognize Pride month.
"Having your identity be a topic of politics is so awful sometimes and with what's going on on the other side of the border knowing that on this side of the border we're safe and we're accepted and we can feel that whenever we see that flag, just means a lot to the community," said Nico Lunansky, Grade 11 student at Walkerville High School.
Director of Education Vicki Houston was moved to hear that their schools are considered a safe space.
"It brought tears to my eyes, to know that they do feel safe and that they feel included and that they can come to school every day being who they are and that they're recognized," said Houston. "It also reminds me that we continue to have work to do but we do have lots of individuals including our students and our staff who are committed to doing the work with us."