You won't see flags flying atop the huge construction cranes towering over University of Iowa projects all because of a campus policy.

Flags are a common site atop cranes at construction sites. An internet rumor swirling Monday claimed the University asked contractors not to fly flags because it offended people. Not true, says the University of Iowa.

"The University of Iowa restricts the hanging of flags from cranes in construction sites to ensure consistency across campus," said University spokesperson Jeneane Beck. "This includes proper lighting at night, proper disposal of faded or tattered flags, and lowering flags to half-mast for appropriate occasions, like today, in honor of 9/11."

Beck says the University enacted the policy simply because it does not have staffing to monitor flags at each construction site to ensure the flag is displayed properly.

The University does fly the American flag from several prominent campus buildings, most notably the Old Capitol building.