POL-U1000.07 Displaying Flags on University Flagpole
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Dates and Approval
Effective Date:
March 15, 2022
Revised Date:
January 27, 2025
Approval Date:
January 27, 2025
Approved by:
President Sabah Randhawa
Who does this policy apply to?
This policy applies to the use of all flagpoles on University property.
Overview
The flagpole is not a designated public forum. Areas of campus available as spaces for freedom of expression and peaceable assembly are listed in Chapter 516-35 WAC.
Definitions
Institutional Flag
The flag of the United States, the flag of Washington State, the flag of Western Washington University and the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag.
Non-institutional Flags
Any other flag not listed as an institutional flag is a non-institutional flag. Examples of non-institutional flags include the Juneteenth flag and the Pride flag.
University Flagpoles
Includes the Flag Plaza on South Campus Drive between Wade King Student Recreation Center and the Academic Instructional West building. The President or the President's designee may establish other official University flagpoles.
Sponsor
University departments, or organizations that are internal to or governed by the University who have requested to fly a flag on a University flagpole.
Unit
University departments, divisions, centers, institutes, registered student organizations, and other organizations recognized or governed by the University.
Policy Statements
1. Institutional Flags to be Permanently Displayed
The University will permanently display the flag of the United States on the west flagpole, the flag of Washington State on the middle flagpole, and the Western Washington University flag on the east flagpole at the Flag Plaza on the main University campus.
The University will display the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag below the flag of the United States on the Flag Plaza on the days listed in RCW 1.20.017. If the designated day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the POW/MIA flag will be displayed on the preceding Friday.
2. Flags to be Lowered Upon State or Federal Direction or Recommendation
Upon direction or recommendation by the Governor of the State of Washington or the President of the United States, the United States flag and State of Washington flag will be lowered for the period of mourning period defined by the proclamation.
Non-institutional Flags May be Flown Upon Approval of the President's Designee
Sponsors may submit a request to their respective Vice President that non-institutional flags consistent with the University’s mission and values as described in the WWU Mission and Strategic Plan be flown underneath the Western Washington University flag (see PRO-U1000.07 and FRM-U1000.07). At a minimum, such flags must not violate federal, state, or local laws and other University policies.
Upon approval by the Vice President of the division and President's Designee, approved flags may be flown underneath the University flag for a maximum period of up to 31 days. To provide broad access and in unusual circumstances, the display of a previously approved flag may be modified during the display period to accommodate the flying of another non-institutional flag.
4. Flags will Not be Displayed on Inclement Weather Days
To avoid potential damage to flags or display equipment, flags will not be displayed on inclement weather days, except in the case of the flag of the United States, when an all-weather flag is displayed.
5. Sponsor Provides Non-Institutional Flags
The sponsor is responsible for the purchase and storage of the non-institutional flag. All flags must be of professional quality, be in good condition, and include affixation methods that will not damage the grounds or facilities where they are displayed or pose an undue risk of harm to pedestrians. The University is not responsible for loss or damage to non-institutional flags.
In compliance with 36 U.S.C. Chapter 10 (Sec 171; 173-178) Patriotic Customs, such flags may not be larger than the flag of the United States and must be a minimum of 3’ x 5’, and a maximum of 8’ x 12’.
6. Transportation Services is Responsible for Flag Displays
Transportation Services is responsible for flag displays. This includes purchasing and maintaining the institutional flags, the flagpoles, and all associated equipment necessary to display the flags. Sponsors are responsible for providing non-institutional flags to Transportation Services to display and lower.
The raising and lowering of all flags is the responsibility of Transportation staff. Raising, lowering, and use of the United States flag shall conform to Title 4, U.S.C., Chapter 1 which outlines the rules for a) display and use of the flag, b) time and occasions for display, c) position and manner of display, d) respect for the flag, and e) conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of the flag.