Grayslake Student Tore Down Pride Flag, Faces Hate Crime: Prosecutors

GRAYSLAKE, IL — A 20-year-old College of Lake County student faces felony charges after prosecutors said that he became involved in a physical altercation with a faculty member after tearing down a Pride flag that was displayed in the classroom.

Jason D. May of Wadsworth was charged with a hate crime and two counts of aggravated battery in connection with the incident, which took place on June 15. Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said that May approached the College of Lake County faculty member who was working at their desk and tore down the Pride flag, which was hanging behind the desk.

As May attempted to take the flag, a struggle ensued between the student and the faculty member as well as another staffer who intervened, Rinehart said. May then struck and attacked both faculty members, prosecutors said. May was taken into custody on June 17 and has been held on $50,000 bond.

Prosecutors had requested a bond of $150,000 but that motion was denied.

“This was an unprovoked attack not only on the CLC employees but also on the LGBTQIA community,” Rinehart said in a statement issued on Wednesday. “It is important to point out that this offender went out of his way to enter the workspace of the CLC staff so that he could pull down the Pride flag which proudly represents tolerance, love, and equality.”

Officials said that there has been a 70 percent increase in hate crimes involving the LGBTQ+ community between 2020 and 2021.

“Unfortunately, we are in a time where stigma and violence against the LGBTQ+ community — and specifically against the transgender community — is on the rise,” officials from the LGBTQ+ Center of Lake County said in a statement. “It is so important that we are combating this hatred with adequate support and resources for the LGBTQ+ population as well as increased community education and advocacy."

May is due back in court on July 20.