HB77: Flag Display Amendments

Updated as of April 23, 2025

HB 77, Flag Display Amendments specifies that units of state government can only display the following flags on government property:

  • The official flag of the United States (including historic versions)
  • The official Utah state flag (including historic versions)
  • The current and official flag of another country, state, or political subdivision of another country or state
  • A flag that represents a Utah city, municipality, county, or political subdivision
  • A flag that represents a branch, unit, or division of the United States military
  • The National League of Families POW/MIA flag
  • A flag that represents an Indian tribe as defined in federal law
  • An officially licensed flag of a college or university depicting only the colors, logos, and marks consistent with official college or university branding
  • An official flag of the United States, state, or international olympics or paralympics

These cannot be altered in color, symbol, or appearance.

“Display” means to place the flag in a prominent location where the flag is easily visible. 
“Flag” means a usually rectangular piece of fabric with a specific design that symbolizes a location, government entity, or cause. (Size is not a factor in the definition of a flag.)

Units of state government may not display any other flag than those listed above on government property, including flags celebrating holidays or cultural events (Christmas, Juneteenth), flags representing social movements (Pride) or businesses (including university partners), or other flags. This includes at events like cultural celebrations, athletics events, and other gatherings.

The university applies the Utah Board of Higher Education Institutional Neutrality and Speech Guidance and designates locations for university expression consistent with that guidance. Individual employee office spaces that are not easily visible outside of their personal space are generally not considered to be a forum for university expression and are areas where employee personal decoration is permitted.

This law will go into effect May 7, 2025.

Concerns, questions, or suggestions may be submitted to legal@weber.edu.

 

 

The information above is for general overview purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each situation is different and legal review is fact-specific. Consult the law or policies for specific information.