The Utah State Legislature in the 2025 General Legislative Session has adopted new guidelines for flags displayed by any “unit of state government.” As a unit of state government, this legislation applies to the University of Utah.

The legislation, HB 77, “Flag Display Amendments,” limits the display of flags. Under the new law, flags for the United States, other countries, state governments and their subdivisions, the university, the Olympic Winter Games, Native American tribes and veteran or POW recognitions would be allowed.

Government units, including K-12 schools, colleges and universities across the state, are generally prohibited from posting other types of flags in a prominent location, such as Pride flags, Juneteenth flags and government flags with altered colors and symbols.

Students, faculty and staff may wear or carry a flag as a personal expression of free speech or support for a group or historical event. University employees may also use flags as personal decorations in their offices so long as they are not easily visible outside of their personal space (e.g., posted in an office window).

Flags may also be used as decorations in connection with a brief cultural celebration hosted by the university within a university building (e.g., the Union).  Flag displays may be posted for no more than one week, and employees must obtain approval from their cognizant vice president or dean (or delegate) before using flags as part of the decorations for a cultural celebration.

The State Auditor’s Office will investigate any violations of the law.

The law is set to go into effect on May 7, after the university’s Pride Week, March 24-29. Pride flags will be allowed at the 2025 Pride Week celebrations. A Juneteenth flag will also be raised during the university’s observation of the holiday on June 16.