6110 Flag Displays on Campus

Original Date: 6/11/2024          Last Revision Effective: NA

Policy Contact: Vice President, Administrative Services

Policy

The United States flag, the state of Washington flag, and the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag shall be displayed on official college flagpole(s) in conformance with federal and state statutes. Generally, flag(s) will be flown 24 hours a day, seven days a week with proper lighting. The United States and Washington State flags shall be flown at the athletic fields’ flagpole. Bellevue College flagpole(s) are intended as forums for government speech only and do not provide a means for public speech or freedom of expression. Bellevue College recognizes and supports the rights of free expression and speech through other means.

Additional flags may be flown if the college president or their designee determines the flag to be an expression of the college’s official government speech, an expression of the college’s official sentiments, and relationships, or in fulfillment of the college’s official mission and core values. Commemorative flags shall mean a flag that identifies with a specific event, cause, theme, nation, or group of people that the college chooses to honor, recognize, or commemorate consistent with the college’s mission and core values. Commemorative flags may be displayed only as authorized by the college president or president’s designee as an expression of the college’s official government speech.

Definitions

Official College Flagpole: primary college flagpole in the center of Landerholm Circle.

Official College Athletic Flagpole: located at the nexus of the three athletic fields, installed to accommodate the United States and Washington State flags.

Responsibilities

The office of public safety maintains flag displays. Questions and requests regarding flag displays should be directed to the office of the president in writing.

Relevant Laws and Other Resources

6120 Use of Community College District VIII Facilities by College Groups and Non-College Groups for First Amendment Activities

6110P Flag Displays on Campus (Procedures)

RCW 1.20.015 Display of national and state flags

RCW 1.20.017 Display of national league of families’ POW/MIA flag

Revision History

Original 6/11/2024

Approved By

Board of Trustees

Last Updated June 26, 2024