Minnesota is getting a new state flag. Earlier this year, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill forming the Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission, tasked with choosing a new state flag and seal for Minnesota. The commission allowed the public to submit flag ideas throughout the month of October.
There were more than 2,000 flag submissions, with many sporting loons, stars, and trees. Most flags used blue, white, and green. Some notable flags, albeit less serious ones, included a photo of a dog, the flag of the Soviet Union, and even one featuring a loon with lasers shooting out of its eyes onto a walleye.
Why is Minnesota Changing its Flag?
Many have accused the flag of being too complex and lacking the simplicity of other state flags that are more memorable such as Texas or Colorado. Others have cried foul at the imagery on the current state flag and seal that depicts a farmer plowing his land while a Native American rides into the sunset, saying that it is discriminatory and hurtful.
Minnesota State Flag Finalists
On November 21st, 6 finalists were chosen. All 6 included a star to represent Minnesota’s state motto, “L’Etoile du Nord,” meaning “Star of the North” in French, and some shade of blue to represent Minnesota’s lakes. The commission chose these 6 designs keeping in mind that flags “must accurately and respectfully reflect Minnesota’s shared history, resources, and diverse cultural communities,” but “symbols, emblems, or likenesses that represent only a single community or person, regardless of whether real or stylized, may not be included in a design,” as stated by state law. A new state seal was chosen on December 5th and features a loon along with a lake and Minnesota’s state motto. All 6 state flag finalists can be viewed in the Spartan Speaks State Flag Finalists Photo Gallery.
What are Orono Students Saying About This?
The new flag was not the most popular development with some students. “I don’t like it. I think there should have been a loon on at least one of the flag designs. I wanted a dog or maybe a walleye. I really liked the flag with the loon that had lasers shooting out of its eyes at a walleye.,” freshman John Eberhardt said.
Not all Orono students think that the flag-change is a bad idea, however. “I really like it and I think we should switch it up a bit. I think it is a good step forward,” freshman Simon Forbes said. Which flag do you think should be chosen? Weigh in on the comments section in this article.
When Will a New Flag Be Chosen?
A new flag will be chosen by January 1st and will be officially adopted on May 11th, which is Statehood Day in Minnesota.
