Orem City Council to tighten flag, logo and emblem rules on city poles and social media
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- A new American flag is raised by members of Orem American Legion Post 72 at a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 30, 2016, at the Orem City Cemetery.
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- Design options for a new Orem City flag were presented to the City Council on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
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- Pride flags hang from City Limits Tavern in downtown Provo on Wednesday, June 17, 2020.
Throughout the year the Orem City Council will take ideas, run it up the flag pole and see what flies. During Tuesday’s work session, a possible amendment to the city code limiting what Orem would allow to fly on city property flagpoles was discussed.
In defining which flags or banners can fly on city owned property, the discussion also included what can be picture on city social media profiles. The city has five Facebook pages including the Police and Fire Departments.
Flags that would be allowed on city-owned poles include the U.S., State and Orem city, Armed Forces, POW/MIA and Utah Valley University flags.
The city is making it clear, by definition these are the designated flags and banners, according to Stephen Earl, city attorney. Earl did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment and information.
Other flags or banners such as the OremFest flag, Holiday flags, or emblems such as the pink ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness month or a SCERA Center for the Arts banner must be approved by the council.
“The city has exclusive control over which flags can fly,” Earl told the council.
When it comes to city social media accounts there will no longer be allowed logos or emblems or flags that may be displayed on the profile pictures. In June 2022, the Orem Police Department had their badge with a rainbow across it on its Facebook page to recognize Pride Month. That will no longer be allowed without consent of the council.
“The provision is limited to the profile picture,” Earl said.
Police Chief Josh Adams previously told the Daily Herald the decision was made with full awareness of the month’s history. Adams said he wanted to make sure LGBTQ people in Orem know they will be protected by the city’s police.
According to Earl, the purpose of this new amendment is to have a general, more professional structure and look for the city that can’t be changed on a whim.
“The purpose of the social media element of the policy is to ensure that logos, badges and emblems displayed in the profile picture of City social media accounts conform with the approved City Brand Usage and Style Guide in order to promote the professionalism of the City’s brand,” communications manager Pete Wolfley said in an email.
Earl asked any council member who would like to bring additional requests, to do so prior to the May 16 council meeting where the amendment will be discussed.
