1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to respectfully urge you to veto HB0077, the Flag Display Amendments bill. While I understand the intent behind this legislation, it raises serious concerns about free speech, local control, and the ability of schools to foster an inclusive and educational environment. HB0077 restricts the display of flags on public school grounds to only the U.S. flag, Utah’s state flag, and the P.O.W.-M.I.A. flag. While these flags are undoubtedly important, this bill unnecessarily limits First Amendment rights by prohibiting students, teachers, and school communities from displaying other meaningful symbols, including those representing cultural heritage, historical movements, or messages of unity and inclusion. Why This Bill Should Be Vetoed: • Infringes on Free Speech: The Supreme Court has long upheld that government institutions cannot suppress expression simply because it may be controversial. By dictating which flags can and cannot be displayed, the state is restricting the ability of students and educators to engage in free expression—a core constitutional right. • Suppresses Diverse Voices: Many schools display flags that represent values of inclusion, such as the Pride flag, the Black Lives Matter flag, or international flags that reflect student heritage. Under HB0077, such displays would be banned, sending the message that only certain voices and identities are welcome. • Limits Local Control & Educational Value: Schools should have the flexibility to display flags that align with their values and educational missions. Flags can serve as powerful teaching tools, sparking discussions about history, civic engagement, and social justice. Removing this ability limits learning opportunities for students. I urge you to stand for free speech, inclusivity, and local decision-making by vetoing HB0077. Rather than imposing restrictive mandates, we should trust our schools and communities to make decisions that reflect the diverse voices of Utah. Thank you for your time and leadership. I appreciate your commitment to protecting the rights of all Utahns.