The terrible act of racist terrorism in Charleston, South Carolina that left nine members of Emanuel AME church dead has re-sparked the debate about the Confederate Flag’s placement on the grounds of the State Capitol in Columbia, SC. There have been numerous protests since the June 17th tragedy and now in a move that is surely to make an impact, the University of South Carolina’s President and Athletic Director have called for its removal.
It is time to remove the flag. We are ONE !! #CharlestonStrong #Gamecocks
— Ray Tanner (@RayTannerSC) June 22, 2015
#UofSC President @HarrisPastides calls for the removal of the Confederate Battle flag from State House grounds. #CharlestonStrong
— U of South Carolina (@UofSC) June 22, 2015
Is there not some other place for the Confederate flag? A place that would unify our people rather than divide us. via @HarrisPastides
— U of South Carolina (@UofSC) June 22, 2015
I remember marching for the removal of the Confederate Flag from the top of the capitol building when I was in high school – more than 130 years after the end of the Civil War. In 2000, the flag was taken down and a South Carolina state law was implemented dictating that it had to be flown at the Confederate Soldier Monument, which is on the State House grounds.
The Confederate Flag has long been a symbol of hatred and racism in this country and the fact that 61% of SC residents still believe that it should stay where it is shows that we have a LONG way to go in this country.
Kudos to leaders at USC for letting their voices be heard in regard to this important topic.
H/T: College Spun