One of the most important organizations in collegiate athletics have made it official: Mississippi must change its Confederate-influenced state flag, or they will have no championship events allowed to happen within their state boundaries.
The Southeastern Conference, SEC in short, has made their point obviously clear in their statement: “It is past time for change to be made to the flag of the State of Mississippi,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a Twitter post. “Our students deserve an opportunity to learn and compete in environment that are inclusive and welcoming to all.” The commissioner has went on to set his foot down, with adding the disclaimer that as long as the state remains resolute with its current stance, so shall all SEC-related events be banned forever until change is made.
It is to be noted that the southern state is the only Southern institution which has stayed out till the last in removing the confederate flag from its own flag, with campaigns after campaigns failing to get it eviscerated from it decade after decade.
The recent surge of cultural correctness regarding the Black Lives Matter protests across the country, however, has boosted the move to replace the current design once and for all.
The governor of the state, Gov.
Tate Reeves has in the past remained rather adamant and hesitant in the potential change, putting the responsibility to his people when it comes to the final say: “I believe that some point people will want to change the flag, but it should be done by a vote of the people,” Gov.
Reeves said at a press conference about two weeks ago, “Not by a vote of politicians doing a backroom deal in Jackson.”
Ole Miss and Mississippi State has been more supportive, exclaiming that they have supported for a change since 2015.
“Mississippi needs a flag that represents the qualities about our state that unite us, not those that still divide us,” Ole Miss Chancellor Glenn Boyce and Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter said in a joint statement.
“We support the SEC’s position for changing the Mississippi state flag to an image that is more welcoming and inclusive for all people.”
If you liked this article, please LIKE SHARE AND COMMENT below! And don’t forget to check our other articles along the way!
Replaced!