Headlines
Oxford Removes Mississippi Flag from City Property
The Mississippi state flag has been removed from Oxford City Hall, but currently still flies on the north side of the Lafayette County Courthouse lawn.
The Oxford Board of Aldermen unanimously voted to remove the state flag from its city buildings during a regular meeting Tuesday night. The decision was met with applause from a packed room of citizens, several who openly addressed the board with their opinions on the potential removal.
Citizens were passionate about their stance, but civil. Those in support of removing the flag from city property explained how it does not represent unity and diversity throughout the state.
Ole Miss student Sierra Mannie, an African American, said that the flag should be removed because it does not positively reflect the heritage of all Mississippians.
“I’ve heard conversations about ancestry and grandfathers, [but when] I think about the flag, I wonder, why don’t my grandparents matter?” she said. The city of Oxford will flood in the next couple of weeks to watch young black men throw a ball back and forth and spend all this money to watch these young black men play men play, but if the city of Oxford keeps the flag up, as it stands, it’s like a slap in the face.” She went on to explain that the flag does not protect the heritage that belongs to African Americans. “I have every right to look at this place and want a symbol for it that does not stand for this shame – this evil – that was slavery.”
John Maynard, president of the Economic Development Foundation, explained how difficult it is for economic developers statewide to attract businesses to Mississippi due to the perceptions and stereotypes associated with the state. The flag, he explained, does not help economic developers “sell” Mississippi to potential business clients. “The flag having the stars and bars, being adopted by hate groups, and being associated with evil, had become our ‘neck tattoo,” he said. “It’s the tattoo that gets in our way of making sales to companies who want to move to Mississippi.”
Oxford resident Joseph Marshall, who supports keeping the flag on city property, explained that removing it from city municipalities would be disrespectful to Mississippi’s legal process.
“This is no small matter,” he said. “As a municipality of the state of Mississippi, the city of Oxford, if it chooses to remove the state flag, is not just showing disrespect, but is showing contempt for the political and legal process that establishes and changes public policy in this state.”
Marshall went on to explain that removing the flag from city property would not generate good will, unity or reconciliation, and in his opinion, would not reap the results the city is looking for. “To take this action is a grave disrespectful measure for a municipality to take in relation to our state,” he said.
Peter Wirth, English professor at The University of Mississippi, suggested that the city keep the flag, but change their attitude about what it represents. “I’m in favor of keeping the current flag although I understand the arguments against it,” he said. When Mississippi voted on whether or not to change the flag 14 years ago, Wirth said he saw a bumper stick that summed up his beliefs. “It said keep the flag, change the heart,” he said. “There are some really serious and bad racial issues in the country today. I don’t think the gesture of getting rid of the flag will really address those issues.”
City Attorney Pope Mallette told the board that there is no state statute that requires a city to fly or not fly a flag.
“There is some leeway for the board’s decision, whether it be to seek legislative change or to make some changes in the city about how you must or must not fly the flag,” he said.
Currently, there is only a statute that requires schools to fly the state and national flag.
Mayor Pat Patterson had previously authorized and requested that the Magnolia Flag be displayed on the Oxford Square next to City Hall. He, along with the board, supported a motion to adopt a resolution to send to the Mississippi governor and statel legislature in favor of changing the state flag entirely. “I don’t think we’re dishonoring anybody to get a flag that everybody can be proud of,” he said. “I don’t think it dishonors anybody or anything. That’s how I feel about it.”
The resolution outlines conflicts between the flag’s symbolism and the city’s values, and asks the state government to replace the current flag with one that is more unifying to all Mississippians.
An excerpt from the letter reads “Be it resolved that we, the governing authority of the city of Oxford, Mississippi, do hereby request that the governor and legislature of the state of Mississippi take action to remove the current state flag and replace it with a new flag that represents the great spirit and garners the respect of all Mississippi citizens. “
Alderman Robyn Tannehill initiated the motion to adopt the resolution, stating that simply removing the state flag from city property was not making enough of a statement. “One of the things I’ve debated internally in regards to taking the flag down [is that] it’s a gesture at the city level because we don’t make the state law.” She added that adopting the resolution is something that the board can do immediately to send a real message to the governor and legislators stating that the city of Oxford wants the flag changed. I want something that’s not just a gesture,” she said. “And although I’m not opposed to taking the flag down, it will still be Mississippi’s state flag tomorrow. We want [the flag] to represent all of us.”
Beth Harmon is editor for HottyToddy.com. Email her at beth.harmon@hottytoddy.com
| Sat, Aug 31 |  | vs Furman | W, 76-0 |
| Sat, Sep 7 |  | vs Middle Tennessee | W, 52-3 |
| Sat, Sep 14 |  | @ Wake Forest | W, 40-6 |
| Sat, Sep 21 |  | vs Georgia Southern | W, 52-13 |
| Sat, Sep 28 |  | vs Kentucky | L, 20-17 |
| Sat, Oct 5 |  | @ South Carolina | W, 27-3 |
| Sat, Oct 12 |  | vs LSU | L, 29-26 (2 OT) |
| Sat, Oct 26 |  | vs Oklahoma | W, 26-14 |
| Sat, Nov 2 |  | @ Arkansas | W, 63-35 |
| Sat, Nov 16 |  | vs Georgia | W, 28-10 |
| Sat, Nov 23 |  | @ Florida | L, 24-17 |
| Sat, Nov 30 |  | vs Mississippi State | W, 26-14 |
ex-Rebel
August 19, 2015 at 12:30 pm
Just cancelled my rooms for football games! Will not spend another cent in Oxford.
JDTurner
August 19, 2015 at 1:06 pm
So proud of Oxford for standing up and doing the right thing. I know there are many Mississippians (my family included) that are fighting this, but I know it’s the right thing to do. Hopefully “the right thing to do” will win out statewide over stubbornness and ignorance. It’s time to move my state and fellow Mississippians into a brighter future.
~ Also, ex-Rebel…if that is truly your reaction bc people want to make MS better for ALL Mississippians while trying to erase and heal some of the hate created by a symbol, then you don’t deserve to call yourself a Mississippian or a Rebel…those rooms will fill up by people who actually care about MS…..so, Bye Felicia…
Barry Johnson
August 19, 2015 at 1:36 pm
I am very proud of Oxford for taking this stand, and I see a new room has opened up for me on game weekends. SCORE!
DB Cooper
August 19, 2015 at 1:38 pm
JD, the hate wasn’t created by the symbol; the symbol was co-opted by by a small group of those who hate. If people would take one moment to THINK, rather than take bait or simply react, I think it would be clear to everyone that the flag is a non-issue.
B K Knox
August 19, 2015 at 1:40 pm
I am a 1978 graduate of the University of Mississippi and a proud and current citizen of this great state since 1974. I too agree 100% with Felicia above but also understand the feelings of ex rebel above also. But we have made great strides in this state but we still have many many miles to travel to get where we need to be for all Mississippians and not just for a select few.
Daniel Summer
August 19, 2015 at 2:34 pm
I am from Georgia but have two children at Ole Miss. We changed our flag awhile back and got rid of the Confederate battle flag. No big deal and Georgia is making huge $$$$. My advice is to do the right thing. Besides I just love that old magnolia flag !
Proud of Oxford
August 19, 2015 at 3:00 pm
I couldn’t be prouder of Oxford for this move. Kudos!
Craig
August 19, 2015 at 3:19 pm
I agree with Felicia, as well.
Bye,
Craig
Someone sane
August 19, 2015 at 3:37 pm
I don’t think Oxford will have trouble selling hotel rooms for football games.
Chad
August 19, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Changing the flag is ridiculous and I will continue to support all versions of the rebel flag..My daughter is a student at Ole Miss and will continue to support the University and the City of Oxford as well…I just feel there are way more important things to beat your chest on
ej
August 19, 2015 at 4:37 pm
Really? Well I guess all the racial issues are resolved now. Feel good politics at it’s worst.
Jay
August 19, 2015 at 4:38 pm
Very proud of Oxford! Time to move forward not backwards. Ex-Rebel is a Bulldog, another obsessed imposter.
Beau Diddly
August 19, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Ok, I’ll take the bait…answer this, to what end? Should we tear down Confederate statues? Should we rename all buildings and roads named after Confederate soldiers? What about our founding fathers who held slaves, do we chisel them off of Mt Rushmore, take them off of dollar bills, remove all mention or images of them from history? The answer is clear, the school in the mid 1980s removed the flag from as the official symbol, but stated we can continue waiving it, enjoy Col Reb, etc. However, every 5-6 years, the school would remove one more piece of Southern heritage and it continues to the very day. The PC liberals want to eviscerate every last symbol of southern pride, but they won’t tell you, they just do it one bite at at time…trying to ban history. So answer my question–to what end?
JOY COOPER
August 19, 2015 at 10:13 pm
Removing the flag is what the alderman want not what the majority of people in Oxford want. I thought they represented the people of Oxford not themselves.
Colonel
August 19, 2015 at 10:26 pm
The Mississippi state flag is the most beautiful flag in the country.
A woman who has no WHITE PRIVILEGE
August 19, 2015 at 10:35 pm
We can’t change history…so why is the removal of the flag such a gut wrenching thing for some?? Go see it in museums, history books and history lessons. Removing the flag, that a great majority of people—not just black, but of all different races and age groups–find offensive does not and will not take the meaning of it away from those who believe in it and want to fly it from their cars, their walls, wrap their new born babies in it. So just let the flag go…it doesn’t have to be seen in public places (schools, city landmarks, city/state buildings). If you can’t see why and how the flag is offensive, then don’t go watch all those African American young athletes on the football field every season play their hearts out—despite the side of history, the extremely hurtful part of history the flag represents for their history and ancestors. Flying that flag loudly and proudly completely ignores and negates this “growth” that Mississippi has seen. And for those who say that the flag isn’t the real issue, then why not just take it down and keep it from flying in public places?? If it’s not that big of a deal, then why hold on to it so hard?? For those who support the flag so die hard, how many times do you stop and acknowledge the flag when you see it in public places?? I’m willing to bet that the numbers of people who walk past it or see it in public places and cringe in disgust far exceeds those who support it and actually acknowledge it or beam with pride when in sight of it. I’m curious to know if the removal of the flag wasn’t announced, how many who support it so hard would even notice. This is a privilege thing… A white privilege thing. So just fly it in your private spaces…plenty drive with it on their cars, license plates, bumper stickers, windows, balconies of homes…trust, it’s seen plenty!! To say that it’s not the real issue, and to also not agree with it being taken down is contradictory. Changing the flag is a start…a better start at making things better, rather than keeping it when it is known that it’s offensive and hurtful to a large group of people. It is 2015…why does Mississippi and some of its people (specifically those in favor of keeping the flag) insist on living so far in the past…I’d swear that you all would be happier if slavery was still around. The staunch support of the flag is a dang shame. I, personally, am happy that it’s been removed from city grounds….it’s a step in the right direction. Take a step out of your place of white privilege and see things for what they really are…and please step into 2015.
frank rooker
August 19, 2015 at 11:52 pm
if the oxford board of aldermen mean what they say in the last sentence of their manifesto state that they want to have a new flag that displays the great spirit and garners the respect of ALL mississippians it is not going to happen the question was put to a vote several years ago and the voters by a large majority voted to keep the flag. p.s. to the woman who has no “white privilege” (whatever the heck that is) i saw several rebel battle flags in vietnam and no one who was there ever said anything about it. to us it was a symbol of courage and a willingness to fight against oppression and a poke in the eye of the “establishment” back in the “world”.
R. D. Williamson
August 20, 2015 at 8:57 am
This action by the Mayor and aldermen will not create good will, it only shows total disrespect to the voters who supported the flag by a vote of 2 to 1. It also shows great disrespect to the men who defended Oxford and Mississippi during the WBTS! Remember the Oxford square was burned to the ground by the Union army in 1865. This was after most of the fighting was finished in Mississippi. The mayor now is going to insult these brave men who defended his town. Sad day indeed!
A woman who has no WHITE PRIVILEGE
August 20, 2015 at 9:18 am
White privilege is a difficult concept to understand and wrap one’s head around because white privilege is invisible. It is a term that is used to describe the societal privileges white people have that other non-whites do not (specifically in the United States) even under the same circumstances. White people experience certain societal advantages that non-whites do not. It isn’t overt, however it is often times unrecognized by whites. White privilege exists in the work place, educational system, politics, etc. It is something that isn’t a conscious thought in white people’s minds. In the words of James Baldwin, being white means never having to think about it.
Despite the difficulty in understanding this concept for some, perhaps do a little research on it and then re-look at this issue from the white privilege lens. It may or may not change how you see things, but perhaps will allow you to see it from a different angle. Removing the flag and choosing something that is more all inclusive does not in any way, shape or form change what happened or take away from the so-called bravery of those who fought. It’s only being inclusive of those who it offends– and that’s a large number. But if you’re under the haze and fog of white privilege, then you’re unable understand that simple fact.
Joe Fisher
August 20, 2015 at 9:50 am
Until Mississippi and the Nation display a WHITE flag with “ONLY BLACKS MATTER” in red letters will the racists be appeased.
ej
August 20, 2015 at 5:01 pm
I am privileged to be an American. I am privileged to be a Mississippian. Everything else I have earned.
People should earn the right to matter.
Joseph Blackston MD
August 20, 2015 at 5:10 pm
MIssissippi Code Annotated 3-3-15 requires that the “The state flag shall receive all of the respect and ceremonious etiquette given the American flag.”
Affirmative removal or refusal to properly display the state flag is clearly not consistent with “respect or ceremonious etiquette.” If the citizens of Oxford do not like the state flag, they are free to encourage their ELECTED members of the LEGISLATURE to change the flag, pursuant to Mississippi Code Ann. 3-3-16 (design of the state flag)
If the citizenry of Oxford feels that state law does not pertain to them, perhaps the Legislature should consider withdrawing all forms of state aid, including highway and school funding, Medicaid, and all other forms of state assistance.
Individuals are free to express their opinion with regard to the flag, but state officials are not afforded the option of choosing which statutes they will follow.
ej
August 20, 2015 at 5:24 pm
Nailed it Doc
Tcounty
August 20, 2015 at 8:12 pm
Won’t be long before they go after the American flag. Wonder how many on here will be in support of that as well? Shame on you Oxford. This was voted on by the citizens of Mississippi. The minority wins everytime the majority cowers.
There are bigger problems that should be felt with than this.
Just Me
August 20, 2015 at 8:45 pm
Way to show your bigoted attitude toward the state of Mississippi, the South and its people. Oxford is now off my visit list. I’m ashamed that this town is a part of Mississippi. The town has turned into nothing but a liberal cesspool.
Larry ridge
August 21, 2015 at 5:51 am
Right on Mr. Rooker.
If the city aldermen were ” sending a strong message ” fine. They will get back a strong message. But, do they care? No, they have already been sent a strong message by the people of Mississippi and they ignored it. Now they need strong action. I can’t believe they are asking for an election when they have already had one. If the election doesn’t go along with what they want, evidentially they will just call for another. Is that the way government is suppose to work?
If they really strongly feel that the flag should be changed, how about them resigning if it isn’t. We shouldn’t have another election but, if we do, let these city officials pledge to resign if the people vote to keep the flag the way it is!
R. D. Williamson
August 23, 2015 at 7:18 pm
I agree with Dr. Joe Blackston, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, appear to have violated state law, they have surely showned great disrespect for the voters of Oxford and Mississippi! They should resign now instead of later!