The Wisconsin Historical Society has decided not to raise the Pride flag this June, ending a practice that had continued for several years.
The decision has sparked public reaction, especially as Pride Month begins and many institutions across the country show visible support for the LGBTQ+ community.
According to a spokesperson from the society, the reason behind the change is that the organization is reevaluating its flag policies.
They said the society is working to finalize a new flag display policy that is consistent across all its buildings and historical sites throughout the state. Until that policy is in place, the agency has decided not to fly any special interest or cause-based flags, including the Pride flag.
In previous years, the rainbow flag was raised at the society’s headquarters in Madison as a sign of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. This year’s absence of the flag has left many in the community feeling disappointed.
The Wisconsin Historical Society is a state-run agency that oversees dozens of historical locations across the state. While it usually stays out of public debate, this decision has caught the attention of many activists, community members, and political leaders.
Gov. Tony Evers, a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, has continued his tradition of raising the Pride flag at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
In a recent statement, he said the flag would keep flying over the Capitol throughout June, regardless of what other agencies decide to do. He emphasized the importance of showing love and support for everyone in Wisconsin, especially during Pride Month.
This move by the historical society comes at a time when LGBTQ+ rights and visibility are a major topic nationwide. Many states are seeing debates about LGBTQ+ education, healthcare, and public recognition. The decision not to raise the Pride flag this year is seen by some as a step backward in a time when public support matters more than ever.
Some critics of the decision worry that not flying the Pride flag could send the wrong message. They feel it may appear that society is distancing itself from the values of inclusion and acceptance. Others believe that this is a sign of growing political pressure on public institutions to avoid showing support for specific causes.
However, the historical society insists that the decision is not political. According to their official communication, the organization is simply trying to develop a uniform policy that can be applied fairly and equally across all its buildings and historic sites.
Until the new policy is set, they will not be flying any flags besides official ones like the U.S. and Wisconsin state flags.
Still, many believe that the timing of the change could not have come at a worse moment. Pride Month is a key time for public displays of support for the LGBTQ+ community. Activists say even small gestures, like flying the rainbow flag, go a long way in making people feel seen and valued.
While there is no confirmation on when the new flag policy will be finalized, the agency has said it remains committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. It also said that its internal programs and events would continue to support those values, even if the flag is not flown this year.
As the debate continues, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies have called for more transparency and open discussion around such decisions. They believe public institutions should be clear about how and why these changes are made, especially when those changes impact communities that rely on public support.
For now, only the U.S. and Wisconsin state flags will be flying over the Wisconsin Historical Society’s buildings. The LGBTQ+ community will be watching closely to see how society handles these concerns in the coming months.