File:  IMDB -  Flag Displays

NOTE: Colorado school districts are required by law to adopt a policy on this subject and the law contains some specific direction as to the content or language. This sample contains the content/language that CASB believes best meets the intent of the law. However, the district should consult with its own legal counsel to determine appropriate language that meets local circumstances and needs.

The superintendent or building principal shall see that the United States flag is prominently and permanently displayed in each academic classroom when classes are in session. The flag displayed shall measure no less than either 12 x 18 inches if in a frame or 2 x 3 feet if on a flagstaff.

The United States and Colorado flags shall be displayed on a flagpole on the administration building or on the administration building grounds (or if none, on a flagpole on the principal school building or on that building's grounds) at all times during days while school is in session except during inclement weather. The flags displayed shall be the same size and measure no less than 3 x 5 feet in size.

Traditional customs and practices of displaying the flags of the United States and of Colorado shall be observed. Flags shall be handled with respect at all times.

The United States flag or any depiction or representation of the flag displayed for public view and permanently attached to any part of school buildings or grounds shall conform with state and federal laws regarding flag displays and use. However, temporary displays of instructional or historical materials or student work products used as part of a lesson that includes the flag shall be allowed even if they do not conform with federal law as long as they are not permanently affixed or attached.

District employees and students have the right to reasonably display the flag of the United States on their own person, personal property, and/or property under their temporary control, such as a desk or locker.

(Adoption date)

LEGAL REFS.: Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1968)

4 U.S.C. Section 7 (position and manner of display)

C.R.S. 18-11-205 (flags that can be displayed on permanent flagpole)

C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(s) (flag displays at administration buildings)

C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(ii) (duty to adopt policy regarding reasonable display of U.S. flag by students and school district employees)

C.R.S. 27-91-108 (2)(c), (3) and (4) (duty to display U.S. flag in classrooms)

C.R.S. 27-91-109 (personal display of flag)

CROSS REFS.: GBEB, Staff Conduct

GBEBA, Staff Dress Code

JIC and subcodes, Student Conduct

JJC, School Displays

JK and subcodes, Student Discipline

KI, Visitors to Schools

NOTE: Effective September 11, 2009, any flag of the United States purchased for display on school district property may only be displayed if it has been made in the United States. C.R.S. 29-10.5-101.

[Revised April 2012]

COLORADO SAMPLE POLICY 1994