Below find the policy for displaying flags at Occidental College.
I. Policy Statement : This policy sets forth guidelines for the display of flags on official College flagpoles, including the raising and lowering of the flags.
II. Applicability: This policy applies to all or a substantial portion of the College community.
III. Definitions:
- The Flag of the United States of America — This flag contains 13 alternating red and white stripes to represent the 13 original colonies, and 50 white stars on a blue field represent the 50 states.
- The Occidental College Flag — This flag contains the Occidental College seal atop a black vertical background, with equally sized orange (PMS165) panels set evenly on both sides.
IV. Policy:
A. Occidental College has two official flagpoles outside of the Arthur G. Coons Administrative Center (AGC). One pole flies the Flag of the United States of America, the other flies the Occidental College flag. No other flags are flown from official College flagpoles.
B. The raising and lowering of the flags is primarily the responsibility of the Campus Safety Office, which will do so in accordance with guidelines established by the United States government.
C. The Flag of the United States of America flies at half-staff when the nation or state is in mourning. The President of the United States or California Governor can order flags to fly at half-staff. Most often, it marks:
- The death of a government official, military member, or first responder
- A national tragedy
- Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance
D. The Occidental College flag flies at half-staff in conjunction with the flying at half-staff of the Flag of the United States of America; or, in recognition of losses to the Occidental community, such as to honor a student, campus personnel, or longstanding former personnel upon their death, upon the approval of the President of the College or the President’s designee.
E. The installation of flagpoles at additional locations is authorized only upon approval of the President of the College or their designee.
V. Policy History:
- Responsible Officer(s): Vice President for Marketing and Communications
- Effective Date (if known): 07/19/2023
- Last Revision Date: N/A
VI. Related Policies and Resources: