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Pride crosswalk vandalized at college

Sep 29, 2018 | 2:55 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Last Monday, Medicine Hat College unveiled their first pride crosswalk, but early Saturday morning the crosswalk has already been vandalized.

A large amount of white paint was onto the rainbow coloured crosswalk which was the first of its kind in Medicine Hat.

Irlanda Price, associate vice-president of student development at the college, says it’s disappointing that the crosswalk was vandalized but the college stands by what it represents.

“We’re committed as an institution to continue to provide a safe place, and provide an inclusive place for everyone to be,” said Price. “It is unfortunate but we’re still committed to keep going.”

The white paint was cleared off crosswalk earlier this morning, but you can still see an outline of where the paint was dumped.

The college has passed along surveillance footage to Medicine Hat Police Service who will take over the investigation.

“It’s going to be an investigation that they will lead because of the nature of the incident it will be considered a hate crime,” says Price.

According to police, two individuals dressed in all black poured the paint at approximately 1:30 a.m. 

MHPS says the cost to clean up the damages at the crosswalk are estimated at $200.

Price asks anyone with any information about the incident to contact the police.

She says the college will continue to make sure the crosswalk is a part of their campus.

“I think it’s really important that the community is aware that this happened, but also the fact that we will continue to ensure that it’s well represented within our institution. That the crosswalk remains vibrant, and clean, and that we will always respond appropriately,” says Price.