Waunakee board approves flying Pride progress flag and Juneteenth flag at municipal buildings

The Waunakee Village Board voted to adopt two resolutions directing municipal buildings to fly the Pride progress flag and the Juneteenth flag during June.

The action came after public comments urging the board to display symbols of inclusion. Resident Kevin Nice asked the board to “once again continue to fly the pride and the Black Lives Matter flags over the various community buildings during the month of June.” High-school student Brooke Benz told the board: “I believe that everyone, regardless of age, gender, ... race, or economic position, should feel represented in this community.” Resident Jody Benz and Mary Heinebecker also voiced support during the public-comment period.

Trustees discussed the measures after pulling the items from the consent agenda so they could be considered on the floor. Trustee Nyla Lafleur said she “can confirm” prior support for equity and inclusion and the board affirmed that stance during debate. Trustee Chris Zellner and others echoed support. The board then moved and seconded each resolution separately. Both motions passed by voice vote.

The resolutions formalize the village’s practice of recognizing June observances. The Pride measure uses the “Pride progress flag” language in the packet; the Juneteenth resolution follows the village’s practice begun the prior year recognizing the federal holiday and authorizing display of the Juneteenth flag.

The board did not take action on any additional requests mentioned during public comment (for example, flying a Black Lives Matter flag), and those requests were recorded as public input.