Mansfield Development News

Mansfield Select Board Debates Revised Flag Policy, Considers Adding Pride and Juneteenth Flags

The Select Board discussed and considered revisions to the town's flag policy. The discussion focused on whether the flagpole should serve as government speech or a public forum, the implications of each, and how to avoid legal challenges related to viewpoint discrimination. Various legal precedents and the specific governance structure of Mansfield were referenced. The board debated the level of discretion the Select Board should have in approving or denying flag requests and the potential for creating a de facto public forum through policy modifications. Ultimately, the board proposed updates to the policy, including adding the Pride Progress flag and the Juneteenth flag, and designating a specific flagpole for these displays, with a vote on the revised policy planned for a future meeting. Concerns were raised about potential legal exposure, the clarity of the policy, and the decision-making authority of the Select Board versus town meeting.