Flag Protocol Policy

I. Scope

The scope of this policy is to provide clear procedures and consistent guidelines to the Indiana Wesleyan Community as to who, when, and how to respond to proclamation/request to lower the flag(s) to half-mast. This policy applies to all University-owned external flags and flagpoles on the Marion campus.

II. Policy Statement

Indiana Wesleyan University lowers its flags to half-mast in compliance with proclamations issued by the U.S. President, Indiana Governor, and University President. Facilities Services is responsible for maintaining flags and flagpoles and executing the flag lowering & raising protocol. Additionally, the University President holds the authority to make or reverse a proclamation and has final say on campus notifications related to lowering flags to half-mast.

III. Reason for the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear procedures and consistent guidelines for flying and lowering flags to half-mast at Indiana Wesleyan University. The act of lowering a flag to half-mast is a solemn gesture of respect, mourning, or remembrance. It is essential to ensure this practice is executed with dignity and in accordance with established customs and traditions.

IV. Procedures

At Indiana Wesleyan University, the flags to be considered include the national flag, the state flag and any other flags representing the University or relevant entities.

When an official proclamation is issued by the President of the United States, Governor of Indiana, or University President to lower the flag(s) to half-mast, Facilities Services office personnel will promptly communicate this proclamation to the relevant personnel. If the national flag is to be lowered, it should first be raised to its peak for an instant and then slowly and respectfully lowered to the half-mast position. The same procedure should be followed for other flags, such as the IWU flag. Flags should be lowered to approximately one-third of the way down the flagpole, maintaining a respectful and dignified appearance.

Flags will remain at half-mast for the duration specified in the proclamation. Flags will be raised to full mast at the end of the designated period in accordance with the proclamation.

Proper maintenance of the flags is essential. They should be in good condition, free from tears, stains, and other damage. Any damaged or worn flags should be retired and destroyed in a dignified way (preferably by burning) and replaced promptly. Facilities Services personnel will regularly inspect flags and flagpoles to ensure proper function and appearance.

This Flag Protocol Policy will be reviewed and updated as needed to ensure it remains current and relevant to Indiana Wesleyan University’s needs and practices. It is crucial to maintain a sense of reverence and respect when deciding to fly the flag(s) at half-mast and when carrying out the associated procedures.

V. Definitions

A. National Flag: The official flag of the United States of America, often referred to as the “Stars and Stripes,” which symbolizes the nation and its values.

B. President of the United States: The head of the executive branch of a state in the United States, who issues official directives and proclamations for the display of flags, including decisions regarding the lowering of flags to half-mast.

C. Governor of Indiana: The head of the executive branch of the Indiana state government, responsible for issuing official directives within the state, including decisions regarding the lowering of flags to half-mast.

D. University President: Highest ranking executive officer at Indiana Wesleyan University.

E. Half-Mast: The position of a flag when it is lowered to a point approximately one-third of the way down a flagpole, symbolizing mourning, respect, or remembrance in response to significant and tragic events.