Donald Cole, Amy Wells Dolan, John Neff and Rod Bridges sit at the Confederate symbolism forum.
In the wake of controversies throughout the South, the Confederate flag’s fight for survival has reached Mississippi. The only the state left in the country to incorporate the Confederate emblem in its flag, the Hospitality State has become host to renewed discourse on the much-disputed symbol.
The Associated Student Body held an open forum Monday afternoon, giving students an opportunity to share their thoughts on events in the past months surrounding the state flag. The meeting was led by a three-person panel made up of professors and faculty.
Cities throughout Mississippi have banned the state flag from public buildings amidst a debate often linked to the use of Confederate symbolism in the killing of nine people at a historic black church in South Carolina. The Oxford Board of Aldermen is set to make a final decision on the flag at their regular meeting Tuesday, following a two-week removal of the state emblem.
According to John Neff, Associate Professor of History and Director of The Center for Civil War Research, students have to understand the flag’s original purpose, but also why many want to see a new design fly across the state.
“Its [the Confederate flag] purpose, at least in its origin, was to be different from the Union’s flag,” Neff said. “People need to know that flags are symbols of power and when people see a flag that is offensive flying over a place of power, like a courthouse or City Hall, perhaps it’s time for a change.”
While the origin of the flag was mainly military, many opinions and feelings have arose surrounding the flag. Donald Cole, Assistant Provost and Associate Professor of Mathematics, said the flag has been used against him in negative ways.
“My first real introduction to the flag was when someone waved a rebel flag in my face,” Cole said. “That was them saying ‘We’re not appreciative of you being here.’ I’m not a friend of the flag.”
After hearing what the panel had to say about the topic, the floor was opened to students. For junior Jesse Webb, the flag symbolizes southern heritage.
“The first image of the flag for me was representing southern pride,” Webb said. “If we’re going to take the Confederate flag away, what symbol can we rally behind?”
While Webb sees the flag as a symbol of pride, Sophomore Riley McManus argued the importance of the flag’s reputation outside the South
“I’m from Springfield, Illinois which is Lincoln’s town. It’s been very difficult for me to see the flag as not hateful,” McManus said. “What kind of heritage are we trying to represent?”
With McManus’ question in mind, there was debate on whether the state should adopt Mississippi’s original flag, the “Magnolia Flag”, in place of the current banner. Sophomore Chris Cross said this would be a good move.
“For me, the meaning behind the ‘Magnolia Flag’ doesn’t represent hate,” Cross said. “If I had to choose between the Confederate flag and the ‘Magnolia Flag’, I wouldn’t choose the Confederate flag because that is more offensive to me.”
The town hall meeting brought up an array of opinions and thoughts. One thing that Neff would like students and faculty alike to understand is history itself is not going to allow anyone to win this debate.
According to Amy Wells Dolan, Interim Associate Provost and Associate Professor in Higher Education, it was encouraging to see the wide range of diversity among students and she believes diversity can work to the state’s advantage.
“I believe we could work together to make a new flag,” Dolan said. “It’s our community. We’re here, so lets create something that represents that.”
