When I moved to Champlin as a newly single father with nothing but hope and uncertainty, this community opened its arms to me. As a white, middle-aged Christian, I felt welcomed and embraced, experiencing firsthand the warmth and acceptance that this city offers. However, it deeply saddens me that while Champlin can embrace someone like me, it struggles to extend the same courtesy and recognition to all its residents, regardless of their identities.

We live in a diverse world filled with a rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles. Pride flags and similar symbols are not just colorful pieces of fabric—they are powerful affirmations of identity and belonging. They stand for love, acceptance, and the celebration of diversity. Unfortunately, without a formal flag policy in place, many of our community members feel unseen and unvalued.

Recognizing Pride and similar efforts through a formal flag policy is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a statement that Champlin stands for inclusivity and respect for all individuals. Such policies are becoming increasingly common in communities that understand the importance of representation and equality.

It is also important to recognize that Pride flags are neither new nor inherently partisan. The original rainbow Pride flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam era. Baker designed the flag as a symbol of hope, inclusion, and visibility for people who were facing discrimination and exclusion. The rainbow flag was intentionally created to represent the diversity of humanity and the belief that every person deserves dignity and respect.

Champlin would not be charting new territory by adopting a formal flag policy. Communities throughout Minnesota have already found ways to recognize Pride Month and other important observances through official proclamations and flag displays. Cities including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, and Robbinsdale have displayed Pride flags at government facilities as part of Pride Month recognition. Across the country, countless cities, counties, schools, libraries, and other public institutions have adopted similar practices to communicate that all residents are welcome and valued. A formal flag policy would create a transparent and consistent process for recognizing community observances while ensuring that decisions are made fairly, openly, and with community input.

Concrete steps can and should be taken. We are calling on the city council to implement a formal flag policy that acknowledges and celebrates Pride, as well as other important cultural and social occasions. This policy should stipulate the conditions and events under which different flags can be flown at City Hall or other relevant venues, ensuring that all the city’s diverse voices are heard and acknowledged.

Studies have shown that public acknowledgments of diversity significantly improve community cohesion. According to the Trevor Project, inclusive policies can decrease harmful experiences for marginalized groups and foster a sense of belonging. Champlin should be at the forefront, setting an example by showing that it embraces not only some of its citizens but all of them.

Join me in urging the city of Champlin to adopt a formal flag policy that reflects our shared values and reaffirms that every member of our community is valued and respected. Sign this petition and be part of the change we want to see in our city.