Headlines
University Students Discuss Possibility of Removing State Flag from Campus
Screenshot of flyer by UM NAACP (2015)
Last week, the University of Mississippi chapters of NAACP and College Democrats Spoke out against the presence of the Mississippi state flag on the university campus. In reaction, a student then attempted to begin a petition in favor of keeping the state flag on campus. Today, the Black Student Union have joined NAACP and College Democrats.
The UM’s NAACP announced that there will be a rally calling to take down the state flag on Oct. 16. Meanwhile, UM’s NAACP and College Democrats are working on a resolution recommending the removal of the state flag for the Associated Student Body Senate to vote on.
Today, the Black Student Union posted on its Facebook page its stance on the state flag’s presence on the university campus. Here is a part of the statement:
“We believe that the removal of confederate symbols from this institution will be the best evidence such a commitment. We ask that the Associated Student Body stand with us in support of this belief as have the NAACP and the College Democrats.”
The statement in its entirety can be read at University of Mississipi Black Student Union.
The NAACP chapter released a statement on Sept. 30 concerning the state flag: “We the University of Mississippi NAACP can no longer tolerate the use of Confederate iconography within context of our shared academic space. We strive for inclusion of all people and believe that our state flag should represent the heritage of all of its inhabitants. Our state flag should inspire future generations to prosper in the state of Mississippi with no symbolic barriers impeding upon individual growth and one’s understanding of belonging. It is imperative that the Associated Student Body stand in solidarity with not only other student governments across the state, but also with our city’s aldermen. All of whom have decided that the state flag has no place on public property.”
Its full statement can be viewed on its Facebook page: The NAACP at The University of Mississippi.
The University of Mississippi College Democrats (Ole Miss Democrats) president Allen Coon, also a Senator in the ASB, released a statement also on the state flag.
He said in statement, “The presence of the Mississippi state flag on the campus of the University of Mississippi divides our student body, undermines efforts to promote inclusion and violates the UM Creed, which calls for us all to respect the dignity of each person. The University of Mississippi College Democrats calls on the Associated Student Body to take a stand against the state flag, and take appropriate measures to remove the state flag from our campus.”
The rest of the statement can be viewed on its Facebook page: Ole Miss Democrats.
A University of Mississippi student named Andrew Soper, who is a senator on the ASB, had a petition (now closed) on Change.org in favor of keeping the state flag on campus. On the petition he wrote:
“The University of Mississippi NAACP chapter and College Democrats are working together to remove the flag of the state of Mississippi from The university of Mississippi campus. In order to live in a free society, the possibility to be offended will occasionally occur. Removing symbols, flags, and monuments will do nothing to change the way people feel in their hearts. The pledge to the state flag encourages Mississippians to “salute the flag of Mississippi and the sovereign state for which is stands with pride in her history and achievements and with confidence in her future under the guidance of Almighty God”. Ole Miss Students and my fellow Mississippians, rise up and push back on political correctness and support the state flag.”
The petition collected 207 signatures, 293 signatures away from 500. It will not likely reach that goal since it is now closed. The petition’s headline is also misleading since the Associated Student Body senate has not announced any decisions or stances regarding the state flag on campus.
For the University of Mississippi’s NAACP and College Democrats chapters to have their resolution passed, the ASB committee need to vote on it before the ASB Senate can debate and vote on it.
Callie Daniels Bryant is the senior managing editor at HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.
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Joseph Westphal
October 6, 2015 at 5:05 pm
Why do all these agitators get upset? There was not a discussion concerning any of this last week or years before until some moron shot some people in a church. Does this university, “My OLE MISS” going to take a stand against history? I guess the next column written we be regarding the removal of all Confederate Dead behind the Tad pad. I swear I never see the day.
Jonathan M.
October 6, 2015 at 6:13 pm
This is the type of thing that NEEDS to be stopped! Ole Miss represents Mississippi as it’s flagship State university, thus it should fly the current STATE flag. If Mississippi decides to change the flag, then Ole Miss will and should fly the new flag. This is IGNORANCE and INSANITY!
What I wrote into the Ole Miss ASB: “Please do the RIGHT thing. Ole Miss represents Mississippi as it’s flagship State university, thus it should fly the current STATE flag. If Mississippi decides to change the flag, then Ole Miss will and should fly the new flag. Keep the flag of the state you represent flying at the central flagship STATE institution of higher knowledge. Do not get yourself involved in further blatant political agendas while further dividing people. Teach and educate, learn from history and again do the RIGHT thing and do not further divide Ole Miss please.”
Please contact the Ole Miss ASB here: http://dos.orgsync.com/org/umasb/yourvoice or call them: (662) 915-7393
Brian Dean
October 6, 2015 at 6:25 pm
It’s the Mississippi State flag…. It’s a state funded institution so it will not be removed. If you don’t like it, call your congressman to have the state change its flag or pack your bags and get he hell out… Talk about racism.. There is nothing more racist than the NAACP. It’s name alone constitutes division among citizens. Enough is enough. No more political correctness. This is where you are and this is who we are and you have a right leave at any time. I have to tolerate your silly, self righteous, racist organization called the NAACP… You will tolerate our state, state flag, university and the heritage it represents. Or, again, don’t let the door knob hit you where the Good Lord split you!
ej
October 6, 2015 at 9:25 pm
The idea that the state flag would not be displayed at a state university is ludicrous. If the flag is changed fine, until then stand and salute or get the hell out.
Jonothan
October 7, 2015 at 7:20 am
If any student wants the state flag removed from this state institution, they should be given a choice, to leave this institution and transfer to school in another state or surrender any public tuition assistance, if they are receiving any assistance.
Darin
October 7, 2015 at 9:23 am
And what will they do if the flag is retained? Scream and whine some more.
Cathey
October 7, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Parents..where the hell have you been? Why wasn’t heritage..along with respect, honor, sacrifice and caring instilled? Genocide happens in diff ways… you want to erase our heritage…then what do you stand for or believe in? Nothing, absolutely nothing. You will find yourself as empty as the words you thot were so full..I feel sorry you….but those who understand will still have it.
..it’s in the blood…you can’t have mine nor my brothers or sisters….you can’t erase us!
Rebel Fan
October 8, 2015 at 9:10 am
Miss Code Annotated 3-3-15 requires that the “state flag shall receive all the respect and ceremonious etique given the American Flag”. I believe state law also requies schools and Colleges to fly the State flag. These agitators should move to a different state.
LBouchillon
October 8, 2015 at 11:21 am
No – this insanity has got to stop. If these democrat students do not want to attend OLE MISS under OUR STATE FLAG, then we say “MOVE ON” to that campus that flys the flag you are happy with. We refuse to continue to bow down to the haters and bigots who keep this stirred up because of skin color.
Steve Hards
October 8, 2015 at 1:57 pm
Here we go again.The blacks are trying to control things at schools! What next if the school doesn’t comply with their demands! Are they going to riot like they do every where else in the states. Because it’s their mentality level and the way they were brought up!
Anon
October 15, 2015 at 12:53 am
These comments sadden me. There is so much racism dripping in them that it is astonishing. It’s 2015 and the only way we are going to have inclusion and representation from all peoples of society is if we move away from our RACIST history and keep progressing. It has nothing to do with parents or state codes. OUR FLAG IS OFFENSIVE! WE NEED TO CHANGE IT. And maybe when Mississippi’s Flagship University stands up and says “We won’t fly this flag” our state legislators will be moved to action and change it. We can not change history, but we can change the future.
And the NAACP exists because of racist people like you. The sheer fact that it offends you means you are racist. It is sad you were brought up that way. Where were your parents? Who taught you this mentality? It must be the way you are brought up.
Mark buchanan
October 19, 2015 at 8:45 pm
I recall attending a liberal arts college in Oklahoma.
Regardless of one’s politics, religion, sexual orientation, it was an atmosphere of tolerance and inclusion. If you had something to say or held an opinion, the students and faculty was open and encouraged others to state their feelings. It was a great learning experience. I developed great relationships with people I would never have met. It’s too bad we can’t have that kind of acceptance today. We are so easily offended we lose sight of the opportunities.
Too bad. I guess no more challenges to the groupspeak.
Heaven forbid someone’s feelings get hurt.
Oops…reference to an afterlife….the PC crowd will probably strike my comment…
Mark buchanan
October 19, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Oh…fly the current state flag. It might encourage an interest in history, civics, and political action. I wonder if that is the point? By eliminating things that make us uncomfortable, it makes it easier to control the masses.
justin wooten
November 10, 2015 at 3:11 pm
College athletics has become too powerful because of the money it generates. It will not be very long before the athletes start flexing their muscle by using the threat of a boycott to demand payment other than an opportunity to be educated. they will attempt to force their will on the institutions of higher learning by controlling and manipulating the schools. It will get so bad in the future, college football and other sports will have to be banned as a source of agitation. The universities had better play hardball now or be prepared to shut it down.
justin wooten
November 10, 2015 at 3:23 pm
The flag is just the beginning.