Town Meeting May 2023 — Article 29 FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Article 29 — Citizen’s Petitioned Article for Resolution in Support of Changing the State Flag & Seal
Why does Massachusetts need to change the flag and seal?
The current state flag and seal contains depictions of Indigenous people that are offensive and celebrate the violence against Native Americans that happened throughout our state and nation’s history. History on the flag and seal can be found here. Native voices have voiced their problems with the flag and seal for many years and have attempted to get it changed numerous times. Hear some of them here.
Why does Swampscott need to make this resolution? Hasn’t the state decided to do this already?
In May of 2022, the Special Commission on the Official Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth voted unanimously to seek a complete redesign of the flag, seal and motto of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. However, this was simply the Special Commission’s vote and not the larger legislative body. The Special Commission stalled for awhile and is in the process of getting started again.
Swampscott representatives Senator Brendan Crighton and Representative Jenni Armini are both in favor of changing the state flag and seal and they need public support to help bolster this cause. Of the 68 towns and cities that have brought this resolution to be voted on, 65 have passed it. Only Rowley, North Brookfield, and Harwich have voted against it. Swampscott and 20 other communities are currently considering this resolution.
Who is helping to organize this movement to have resolutions voted on for each Massachusetts municipality?
Change the Mass Flag is leading this effort. For a town structure of government, like Swampscott, either a citizen must submit a petition with the required signatures or it could be brought forth by the Select Board. In our case, Martha Curry a local Swampscott resident, did the work to get the petition signed and submitted. The petition contains the same resolution language as the other communities that have passed it.
Is there anything else I can do to voice my support for changing the state flag and seal?
Yes, contact our state representatives here. The more voices they have, the better chance we have to get things moving again.
