In recent events, UMass took down the pride flag in the transit center of the campus on March 6th, 2025. This was due to a policy in the 1990s, not being in their interest, and not specializing in flags. It was also due to not following the qualities of the school.
This event matters a lot, mainly as a whole, because people can’t put a flag on the center of a campus. Because of a policy, Masintert, who is umass engagement resprentive, is stating it’s on a policy and not him. But people can still express themselves in offices or dorm rooms. All this happened on March 6th, 2025.
I interviewed Mr Chaput, a high school teacher in the history department. While I was asking him for his opinion, he stated, “You ban everything or nothing because it is unfair, and UMass is singling out a group.” Also, it states that it is public property, and people should be able to put their flag there. Also, by asking if you should be able to put pride flags in your rooms or halls, Chaput stated, “I don’t care and it’s up people if they do”.
I also asked for the opinions of students, including Olivia Athas and Anthony Bartwuestchi. They stated the same thing: “It’s public property, so people should feel free to hang things up in public and also in schools’ rooms and halls if they want.”
My last Interview was with Ms. Goelz, another teacher from the history department. Also stating “that it’s not right and shouldn’t be against thier will. It’s very subjective and perspective is everything”. Then, for flags to be in rooms and halls, they should show equality and interest.
To conclude everything, this is people’s opinion on this situation, and how they felt on UMass taking down flags and policy of it.
