The University of Massachusetts Amherst removed a Pride flag from its campus transit center on March 6, citing a longstanding policy from the 1990s that limits the display of flags in public spaces.
According to UMass spokesman Samuel Masintert, the removal was based on institutional policy and was not a personal decision. The university emphasized that while flags are not permitted in certain shared public areas, students and faculty may continue to express themselves in private spaces such as offices and residence halls.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from students and educators in the surrounding community.
“You either ban everything or nothing,” said history teacher Travis Chaput. “It’s unfair. UMass is singling out a group.” He added that, in his view, public universities should allow such displays on public property and emphasized that individuals should be free to hang Pride flags in their own rooms or hallways.
Students Olivia Athas and Anthony Bartwuestchi expressed similar concerns, stating that public property should allow for inclusive expression, particularly in schools.
Leslie Goelz, another high school history teacher, said the decision felt subjective. “It’s not right and shouldn’t go against people’s will,” she said. “Perspective is everything. Flags in rooms and halls should reflect equality and interest.”
