For the past 60 years, the Minnesota state government has received backlash and cries to change the state flag. The original flag contained a negative portrayal of indigenous peoples that upset many local groups and individuals, as it highlighted the cruel displacement of Native American groups. Recently, the state government decided to make a change to the flag and opened up submissions to the public. Over 2500 designs were submitted (CNN). Many designs contained depictions of the North Star, the Great Lakes, or Minnesota’s state bird, the loon. 

The new flag will make its debut on May 11th, Minnesota’s statehood day (CBS). The North Star is the new flag’s most prominent feature as Minnesota’s state motto is the “Star of the North.” The North Star is placed atop a geometrically shaped Minnesota. The light blue color displayed across the flag represents the lakes and water that Minnesota is well known for. A new seal was also chosen, and features the Dakota phrase “Mni Sota Makoce,” which is what Minnesota derives its name from (CBS). 

The AHA community gave their thoughts on the new flag. Cassidy Gaston ’26 thinks that the flag is too plain. She thinks that it needs more references to “Minnesota’s heritage” and beginnings and is far too minimalistic. Amelia Stricherz ’25 agreed with Gaston. She said that she doesn’t “understand how [the new flag] represents Minnesota.” She says that it seems like there weren’t a lot of aspects of Minnesota taken into account during the creation of the flag, and it seems just like a quick, rushed design. Ms. Kelley Wakem, AHA librarian, said that she understands the draw to simplifying the state flag, yet it underrepresents the history and heritage of the people of Minnesota. However, there is some positive feedback on the flag. Frankie Ritter ’27, said that he likes the flag’s upgrade as it is more distinct and memorable than the old flag. He thinks it stays up to par with some of the state flag criteria, as it is simple and distinct.