Veterans Affairs officers this week unveiled new guidelines banning LGBTQ Delight flags and different unofficial banners at division workplaces and areas, saying the transfer will convey “consistency” to company messaging.
In a memo launched late Wednesday night, VA Secretary Doug Collins mentioned the brand new coverage would restrict the show of all flags apart from the American flag in any respect VA amenities. Exceptions embody the show of state flags, army service flags, U.S. company flags and the POW/MIA flag.
The steerage utilized to “public shows or depictions of flags by VA workers in all VA amenities, workplaces, buildings, frequent areas and public areas,” to incorporate private cubicles, authorities automobiles and any area “in public or plain view.”
Collins’ order particularly rescinds previous VA directives permitting the show of the LGBTQ Delight flag throughout Delight Month, historically noticed in June.
“This coverage will convey consistency and ease to the show of flags all through the division, which I anticipate to have a singular focus: serving the wants of veterans, their households, caregivers and survivors,” Collins wrote within the memo.
The coverage doesn’t apply to veterans gravesites or museum items, or historic and training shows operated by the division. The foundations state that such flags shall be allowed “the place the show or depiction can not moderately be considered as an endorsement of the flag by the division.”
The coverage mirrors flag guidelines already in place on the Division of Protection. The Accomplice flag and flags of international nations are additionally banned from show in workplaces below the order as written.
Nonetheless, a separate Nationwide Cemetery Administration directive nonetheless in place does enable “flags of the previous Accomplice States of America” to be positioned on gravesites and displayed at VA cemeteries in states that acknowledge a Accomplice Memorial Day.
Republican lawmakers lately have unsuccessfully tried to ban VA officers from permitting LGBTQ Delight flags to be flown at division buildings, calling it political posturing that would discourage some veterans from looking for care.
VA leaders within the Biden administration argued the other, saying it confirmed an effort by the paperwork to be extra inclusive.
Final month, at the least 60 Veterans Affairs workers have been positioned on administrative depart following the closure of a number of range, fairness and inclusion workplaces throughout the division, a part of a government-wide crackdown on the problem.
Collins wrote within the memo that the brand new guidelines shouldn’t be interpreted as ignoring or rejecting any teams of veterans.
“All veterans and VA beneficiaries will at all times be welcome in any respect VA amenities to obtain the advantages and providers they’ve earned below the regulation,” he mentioned.
Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White Home for Navy Instances. He has lined Washington, D.C. since 2004, specializing in army personnel and veterans insurance policies. His work has earned quite a few honors, together with a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 Nationwide Headliner Award, the IAVA Management in Journalism award and the VFW Information Media award.
