The Maplewood City Council on Tuesday continued their discussion regarding when the flag flying outside city hall should be lowered to half-mast.
In the first public comment session Ward 3 resident Melessa Dierker began by saying that her family is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and that when the flag was lowered for Charlie Kirk, “who has targeted her community, it deepened that sense of exclusion…” felt by her family.
Dierker said that at a recent, pre-planned trans rights protest in Maplewood, Ward 3 council member Nick Homa joined them, which was “powerful for the trans youth it to see our leaders show up for them.” She said the city needs a clear policy about when the city flag is lowered. “We can’t control what the flag means everywhere, but we can decide what it means here.” She said it should send a message of care and inclusion to all residents.
Mayor Barry Greenberg said the council has discussed this previously and the city needs a policy regarding the flag that is not subjective and not dictated by outside forces that might not be in line with Maplewood residents or the city council.
Ward 1 council member C Wiley agreed, and said that the policy shouldn’t become something that would prevent the city from being equity-minded. “Something that creates structure for us in times like this, but also leaves the door open for us to continue growing that policy,” they said, suggesting the city should be open to flying other flags.
Greenberg asked city attorney, James Hetlage, to help them develop a policy.
Also in the meeting, City Manager Amber Withycombe introduced Celeste Grayer, the city’s new social services coordinator. Grayer’s services will be shared with Richmond Heights. Grayer has 20 years experience as a social worker, including ten with the St. Louis School District. Once she’s settled, after meetings with the staff of both cities, her office will be at The Heights.
Not true. Federal yes, but anything outside of that does not apply, or is up to state and local governments. What happened to Kirk was unacceptable, but I personally think flag at half staff should be reserved for government figures or at least those with more widespread acceptance among the general public. One last note: Shame on anyone that spreads hate towards minorities in this country. That is all.
When the president orders “all flags” to be flown at half-staff, it applies to the U.S. flag at all federal buildings, grounds, naval vessels, military posts, and embassies. The order also includes state, local, and other flags displayed with the American flag.