House Passes Controversial Bill Banning Certain Flags in Classrooms

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A bill limiting which flags can be displayed in public classrooms and government buildings has passed the Utah House of Representatives.

House Bill 77, known as Flag Display Amendments, seeks to establish clear guidelines on which flags can be shown on government property by employees or officials. Under the proposed law, any unauthorized flag must be removed immediately, with violators facing fines of $500 per day until compliance is met.

The legislation has faced significant scrutiny as it moved through the House. If enacted, it would prohibit political and advocacy-related flags, including pride flags, from being displayed in classrooms or government offices. The bill outlines a select list of permitted flags, including:

  • The official flag of the United States
  • The official Utah state flag
  • Official flags of other countries, states, or political subdivisions
  • Flags representing Utah cities, counties, or government entities
  • Flags of U.S. military branches and divisions
  • The National League of Families POW/MIA flag
  • Flags of federally recognized Native American tribes
  • Official college or university flags
  • Historic flags displayed temporarily for educational purposes
  • Official public school flags
  • Flags representing the U.S. Olympic or Paralympic Committees and associated events
  • Flags of organizations authorized to use public school facilities during their permitted use period

Flags not included in this list would be prohibited from display on government property.

Debate Over Neutrality and Free Expression

The bill, which was initially set aside for further discussion during a morning legislative session, was later amended and passed in the afternoon with a 49-20-6 vote.

Rep. Trevor Lee (R-Davis), the bill’s sponsor, argued that the measure is intended to ensure political neutrality in schools and government spaces.

“Our goal is to maintain a neutral environment, free from political influence,” Lee said during the House debate. “Many flags have become symbols of ideological or political agendas, whether from the left or the right. This bill is about keeping those influences out of the classroom.”

While the floor debate was relatively brief, concerns about free speech were raised earlier in committee discussions. Ellie Menlove, policy counsel for the ACLU of Utah, argued that the bill unfairly targets certain communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals.

“This legislation would prevent teachers and municipalities from displaying flags that offer messages of inclusion and support,” Menlove stated. “Pride flags are not political symbols.”

Opposition from House Democrats

Following the bill’s passage, Utah House Democrats issued a statement condemning the measure, calling it an attempt to silence LGBTQ+ representation.

“This harmful bill, which faced bipartisan opposition, aims to censor Pride and Transgender flags in public schools and government buildings,” the statement read. “H.B. 77 is yet another example of unnecessary legislation meant to stifle expressions of support for LGBTQ+ communities.”

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

Although the bill has cleared the House, it must still pass through a Senate committee and receive approval in a full Senate vote before reaching the governor’s desk for final consideration.

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