After conversations stretching back to last year, Lake Bluff trustees have approved updated policies regarding both special event permits and flag displays on village property.
The Village Board unanimously supported the new guidelines on May 11, following two lengthy discussions during April committee meetings.
The flag policy, originally adopted in 2020, now states that flags permitted on village flag poles may include government flags, local school district flags, holiday and seasonal displays or decorations, and displays related to village-sponsored events, according to village documents.
Flags from non-government groups — including the LGBTQ+ Pride flag — will not be permitted. Interest in allowing the Pride flag to fly on village flagpoles last year sparked passionate debate at village board meetings before trustees ultimately voted down the request amid concerns about permitting some flags but not others.
Village Administrator Drew Irvin said the updated policy reflects longstanding village practice, noting the village has issued proclamations recognizing Pride Month while not permitting the Pride flag to fly on village property.
“It was essentially memorializing the status quo, which was the village has not historically done that,” Irvin said.
Separately, the village updated its special events policy. Events are now limited to three days and must have a sponsor directly connected to the village. Previously, events could last as long as 14 days.
Irvin noted that most special events on the Village Green last only one day, though a few exceptions have run longer.
Amid last year’s debate over flying the Pride flag, some Lake Bluff residents organized a “Pridefest” on the Village Green, with Pride-themed bunting displayed on trees for two weeks.
The village approved an application for a similar event this year, though it will now be subject to the new three-day maximum.
Resident Jennifer Beeler, a supporter of the event, said she will invite community members to decorate trees on the Village Green on Sunday, June 7. She said the decorations will have to be removed by June 9.
“I’m glad that the village will permit us to do this again and show our support of the LGBTQ community,” she said.
Beeler declined to comment on the event’s shortened duration.
Village officials acknowledged the issue is complicated because of free speech concerns.
Earlier this year, a subcommittee consisting of Trustees Katharine Hatch and Susan Rider, along with Irvin and Village Attorney Peter Friedman, was formed to examine the issue.
“This is a challenging conversation as we are working to balance competing interests,” Village President Regis Charlot said during an April 27 meeting.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
