The University of Calgary has been banned from marching in this year’s Calgary Pride Parade.

In a statement posted to its website, Calgary Pride said the decision was based on the university’s treatment of protesters in 2024, and that the university can reapply in 2027.

“The decision reflects community concerns about the university’s response to the pro-Palestinian encampment that was forcibly removed from campus in 2024, and the broader impact of these events on the community after a court case was filed in 2026,” read the statement.

“Calgary Pride considers the impact of any active court cases as well as other community concerns when reviewing institutional participation.”

The statement also noted that the denial is not based on the university’s Fairness and Safety in Sports Policy, which was adopted last September after the provincial government passed Bill 29, requiring all athletes participating in female sports be assigned female at birth.

“The legislation was enacted by the provincial government, and institutions are legally required to comply with it,” read the statement.

Related

The decision was first reported by The Gauntlet, U of C’s student newspaper. U of C’s statement emphasized that while the university cannot be represented, it does not limit those on campus from participating.

“The University of Calgary’s participation in the Calgary Pride Parade will look different this year,” read U of C’s statement. “UCalgary remains committed to supporting LGBTQ2S+ communities and our students. We will continue to celebrate Pride Week on campus.”

Calgary Pride’s statement said that students, faculty associations, campus advocacy groups and alumni can still participate, as long as the university logo isn’t used and no one represents the U of C.

U of C needs to do more, says Graduate Students’ Association vice-president

Wylie Pietsch, the vice-president of U of C’s Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), as well as the chair of the gender and sexuality alliance for the GSA, said they will exercise their right to participate, and have filed their application.

Pietsch added that the GSA is still working with the university to put on campus Pride events in September, but that there needs to be much more done by the institution to foster an inclusive campus. Pietsch said the U of C’s actions in recent years have done the opposite.

According to Pietsch, the university has dismantled the office of equity, diversity and inclusion, and removed roles that support students, such as the academic director of LGBTQ2S+ students.

“They do need to show that they are willing to do more than just host events during one week out of the year,” they said. “For true reconciliation to happen with the queer community, they need to take steps beyond the events.”

Mount Royal University said in a statement that it looks forward to participating in this year’s parade, which it has done since 2012.

In years past, Calgary Pride has also banned political parties and police from marching.

PDelisle-Miller@postmedia.com

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