On Monday, October 26, The University of Mississippi made the decision to stop flying the Mississippi state flag on its campus. This came after many students and administrators of the university complained that the Confederate insignia included in the state flag made it inappropriate to fly. Six days after a 35-15-1 student senate vote on October 20, the University of Mississippi police lowered the flag. This was a happy day for the more than 200 protestors who rallied for the removal of the flag on October 16, which was sponsored by the NAACP chapter on the university's campus.
The University of Mississippi has long been associated with Old South symbols. For example, the university's mascot was Colonel Rebel up until a few years ago, although the university's sports teams are still called the Rebels. The white-haired mascot was retired after some interpreted him to be a plantation owner. Administrators at the university try to distance themselves from Confederate symbols, which is where the most recent event comes into play. The Mississippi state flag has included the Confederate insignia since 1894. Although it is only a small part of the flag, it offends many individuals who are associated with the university.
There are discerning opinions about the decision to remove the flag. Those that agree with the decision say that the flag does not represent or support any of the university's values and offends many people, especially African Americans. They say that although the Confederate flag is a part of American history, it is still offensive to some and brings up old issues, including slavery and racial oppression. While it is important to remember the past, they say that it should not define us. With the removal of the flag, there is one less form of inequality that exists. The individuals who disagree with the decision to remove the flag, say that regardless of what the flag represents or reminds people of, it is still the Mississippi state flag, and should continue to be flown at the university which is publicly funded. They also say that yes, the flag is a part of our history and we cannot change the past. It represents honor, tradition, and other values that are important to many people.
As a Mississippi native, I do not agree with the removal of the state flag from Ole Miss. The fact of the matter is, the Mississippi state flag does feature the Confederate insignia, and although it may be offensive to some, it is a part of United States history, and we cannot change the past. It is not the university's job to make special requests for certain individuals who find the flag offensive. They should not have to appease the few that experience prejudice from the flag flying. In my opinion, the flag does not represent racism and it is not promoting prejudice. It is simply the Mississippi state flag, and although it features a symbol that was once associated with racism, the past is behind us, and we must not forget it, but we should not have to change it. There are things that offend everyone. If we continue to give in and eliminate offensive things, the cycle will never end. Not everyone can be content with what exists in the world. Unfortunately, some things are going to exist that may be offensive to some, but we cannot continue to give in and eliminate them. In addition, if we continue to remove things such as the Mississippi state flag, which is an important part of history, we could experience dangerous consequences. History cannot be forgotten. The past exists, and should continue to exist.
*Editor's Note: These views do not reflect those of the Odyssey or of Spring Hill College and are the sole opinion of the author.
