PETITION FOR SELECT BOARD MEETING
The undersigned registered voters of the Town of Holliston request that the Select Board consider the following when discussing the Flag Policy during the Select Board meeting on February 5th, 2024:
Amend the Town of Holliston Flag Policy, voted into place during the January 22, 2024 Select Board Meeting. Amendment would include providing opportunities to display
celebratory flags on town-owned flag poles and buildings, in alignment with government
speech.
A suggested revision is included as Exhibit A, however we would expect that any amendment
is done with collective input and visibility from the community being served, as well as
reviewed by legal counsel.
Or take any action relative thereto.
Updates
January 27, 2024
I have been hearing from so many neighbors who just want our town spaces to feel a bit more inclusive and honestly the feedback keeps coming in waves. It is strange how much a simple piece of fabric on a flagpole can turn into such a complicated legal headache behind the scenes but I am still working on prepping our formal arguments for the next time the board gathers.
January 27, 2024
I really thought this might just disappear into the void but seeing everyone jumping on board is just wild. It feels like people actually want the town flag policy to reflect who we are and that makes all this typing feel worth it.
Reached 100 supporters
January 27, 2024
32 Comments
As a Holliston resident, to me these flags demonstrate that this community strives for the standard of civil conduct that welcomes individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences. They acknowledge the importance of a diverse society and commitment to equity and inclusion.
The new Flag Flying Policy must be changed to maintain Holliston's town government's ability to show strong support for all of its community members. This is aligned with the Town’s Strategic Plan, which has a specific focus on improving diversity, equity, and inclusion. Thank you.
Two years ago we moved to Holliston from Alabama. We chose this area because of the acceptance and inclusion. I hope this is not changing.
There are alternatives to completely eliminating the flying of flags that protect the town's liability and align with the town's stated priority to embrace diversity and inclusion.
At a time when LGBTQ+ folk are being scapegoated and targeted across the country, Holliston can send a message of welcome and embrace by flying the Pride flag. I have invited all the Holliston folk who are members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Sherborn where I am the Senior Minister to lend their voices and support of this petition.
Seeing visual cues (like the pride flag) that indicate that our town is one that strives for equity and inclusion, that welcomes ALL people is vital for our residents to feel safe and welcomed. We are taking a gigantic step backward with this new flag policy; it is hurting and alienating so many! Come on, Holliston... we are better than this!
I want Holliston to be an inclusive place supporting minorities.
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PETITION FOR SELECT BOARD MEETING
The undersigned registered voters of the Town of Holliston request that the Select Board consider the following when discussing the Flag Policy during the Select Board meeting on February 5th, 2024:
Amend the Town of Holliston Flag Policy, voted into place during the January 22, 2024 Select Board Meeting. Amendment would include providing opportunities to display
celebratory flags on town-owned flag poles and buildings, in alignment with government
speech.
A suggested revision is included as Exhibit A, however we would expect that any amendment
is done with collective input and visibility from the community being served, as well as
reviewed by legal counsel.
Or take any action relative thereto.
Updates
January 27, 2024
I have been hearing from so many neighbors who just want our town spaces to feel a bit more inclusive and honestly the feedback keeps coming in waves. It is strange how much a simple piece of fabric on a flagpole can turn into such a complicated legal headache behind the scenes but I am still working on prepping our formal arguments for the next time the board gathers.
January 27, 2024
I really thought this might just disappear into the void but seeing everyone jumping on board is just wild. It feels like people actually want the town flag policy to reflect who we are and that makes all this typing feel worth it.
Reached 100 supporters
January 27, 2024
32 Comments
The suggested revision would make the policy in alignment with recent Supreme Court precedent. It satisfactorily addresses the legitimate concerns that were raised and aligns the town with evolving standards of inclusiveness and acceptance.
As a Holliston resident, to me these flags demonstrate that this community strives for the standard of civil conduct that welcomes individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences. They acknowledge the importance of a diverse society and commitment to equity and inclusion.
The new Flag Flying Policy must be changed to maintain Holliston's town government's ability to show strong support for all of its community members. This is aligned with the Town’s Strategic Plan, which has a specific focus on improving diversity, equity, and inclusion. Thank you.
Two years ago we moved to Holliston from Alabama. We chose this area because of the acceptance and inclusion. I hope this is not changing.
There are alternatives to completely eliminating the flying of flags that protect the town's liability and align with the town's stated priority to embrace diversity and inclusion.
At a time when LGBTQ+ folk are being scapegoated and targeted across the country, Holliston can send a message of welcome and embrace by flying the Pride flag. I have invited all the Holliston folk who are members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Sherborn where I am the Senior Minister to lend their voices and support of this petition.
Seeing visual cues (like the pride flag) that indicate that our town is one that strives for equity and inclusion, that welcomes ALL people is vital for our residents to feel safe and welcomed. We are taking a gigantic step backward with this new flag policy; it is hurting and alienating so many! Come on, Holliston... we are better than this!
I want Holliston to be an inclusive place supporting minorities.
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The suggested revision would make the policy in alignment with recent Supreme Court precedent. It satisfactorily addresses the legitimate concerns that were raised and aligns the town with evolving standards of inclusiveness and acceptance.