‘Our State Flag Foundation’ is an embarrassment.
My names is Matthew Jones. I am a recent alumnus of the University of Mississippi, and I am now a third year law student at the University of Mississippi School of Law. I am proud of my university for its decision to remove the state flag of Mississippi from our campus. I do not need to go into the history of why the Confederate battle flag being included in the state flag is offensive. The imagery speaks for itself.
I recently read the article titled “Student and alumnus create ‘Our State Flag Foundation,’” published on Nov. 4, 2015. It is apparent that the creators of this organization are misguided.
The creators of this organization seem to insinuate that the University has a duty to fly a flag since it receives funding from the state. However, state funding is far from the only source of funding for our University. What about all the federal and private funding the University receives? Does our University owe an obligation to taxpayers in the 49 other states or the out-of-state students who pay additional tuition or private donors with an agenda?
Furthermore, the organization claims that taking down the state flag is “disrespectful to the people of Mississippi” without seeming to care about all of the Mississippians or students that it offends.
It chooses to view the University of Mississippi as an instrument of the state as opposed to an instrument of the students, faculty and alumni. If that were the case, the University might as well only offer classes sanctioned by the state government of Mississippi. Our history has demonstrated that is a horrible idea. According to the University of Mississippi’s Creed, our University is “dedicated to nurturing excellence in intellectual inquiry and personal character in an open and diverse environment.”
This extends to challenging the state when the University believes it’s wrong, and it is wrong.
Lastly, this organization attempts to profit by using one of our University’s logos, presumably without its permission.
According to their Facebook page, you can purchase a sign for $10 which reads, “Ole Miss fly your state flag.” Their sign uses the script “Ole Miss” logo. As students and alumni of our beloved University, we should be tired of watching others attach our University’s logos to lost causes of the past.
So, let’s continue to move forward and call this organization what it is: an embarrassment.
Matthew Jones is a Law student at the University of Mississippi.
