The University Police Department lowered the last remaining state flag flying on campus in a ceremony early Monday morning.
The flag was furled and will be preserved in the University Archives alongside the resolutions by multiple campus organizations which passed calling for its removal.
President of the UM NAACP Buka Okoye has been an activist in having the flag removed from campus.
“This was extremely unexpected but I’m very excited,” Okoye said. “Thanks be to God for the University acting and for acting quickly on the side of the students and faculty.”
DM Photo | Ariel Cobbert
Okoye said the removal of the flag from campus is a sign that progression is possible and he is looking toward the future.
“This is one small step in the structure change we want to see at the University,” Okoye said. “I’m positive for the future because of how quickly the administration acted.”
Associated Student Body Senator Allen Coon co-authored Resolution 15-13, calling the University to cease flying the flag because of its Confederate symbols. He, too, is hoping this is just the start of progression on campus.
Coon said the campus is plagued with Confederate symbols that represent oppression.
“Things like this are things we need to discuss in order to remove those symbols,” Coon said.
In a statement released by the University, current Interim Chancellor Morris Stocks said the respectful discussion that took place between everyone in the campus community inspired the administration to take quick actions.
Stocks also said the decision to remove the flag was not easy because it hold different meaning for everyone but in the end felt the flag did not welcome or value all members of the UM community so they supported the student-lead initiative to take it down.
-Lana Ferguson
