Commission debates official Pride and Juneteenth flags; vote to table final action until June 24

The Muskegon City Commission debated whether to adopt city-branded versions of an all-inclusive pride flag and a Juneteenth flag during its June 10 meeting and ultimately voted to table the item for consideration at the commission’s June 24 meeting.

Commissioner Evelyn German moved to adopt both a city-branded pride flag and a city-branded Juneteenth flag as official city flags. Supporters described the action as a way to formalize the city’s prior decisions to fly the flags and to create a consistent administrative process for flying them. Legal counsel explained the question in terms of "government speech," noting that a municipality may adopt and control official messages and the flags it flies, provided the government controls the content.

Opponents raised multiple concerns. Commissioner German said she worried adopting a modified Juneteenth flag — specifically adding the city emblem — could be disrespectful to the symbolism of the Juneteenth flag and might invite legal challenges or equity questions about other groups requesting flags. Commissioners and staff also discussed logistics: the city’s 2022 flag policy, how the recently flown flags related to that policy, and whether city-branded versions would be kept inside City Hall or flown outside. Staff noted the June 2025 Juneteenth flag plan already in place would proceed whether or not the commission adopts a city-branded version.

After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to table the motion to June 24, 2025, to allow further consideration and participation by members who were absent or who had additional questions.