Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn has called for a change in the state flag, stating that the Confederate symbol in the upper left corner has become a “point of offense.”
The symbol has been a part of the Mississippi state flag since Reconstruction.
Gunn is the first top-tier Mississippi Republican to publically call for removal of the emblem.
In 2001, roughly 65 percent of Mississippi voters elected to keep the state flag, which features a blue X and 13 stars over a red background.
Gov. Phil Bryant, also a Republican, stated the flag should stay as it is.
Tennessee is also considering the removal of Old South symbols as leaders in South Carolina push to remove the Confederate battle flag outside the statehouse.
Beth Harmon is managing editor for HottyToddy.com. Email her at beth.harmon@hottytoddy.com
