A nationwide debate has sparked since the mass shooting in Charleston, South Carolina about whether state officials should bring down the Confederate flag in the state.
It all picked up on Monday when it was announced that South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was set to call a press conference to bring down the flag.
Sources: Nikki Haley to call for Confederate flag to come down at 4:00 p.m. press conference.
— FITSNews (@fitsnews) June 22, 2015
While there have been some mixed reactions, there are now prominent voices from the University of South Carolina that are speaking out in support of removing the Confederate flag.
USC athletic director Ray Tanner took to social media to give his support to the movement and the university itself soon followed.
It is time to remove the flag. We are ONE !!#CharlestonStrong #Gamecocks
— Ray Tanner (@RayTannerSC) June 22, 2015
#UofSC President @HarrisPastides calls for the removal of the Confederate Battle flag from State House grounds. #CharlestonStrong
— University of South Carolina (@UofSC) June 22, 2015
Former Gamecocks quarterback Connor Shaw also gave his support.
Any flag that contradicts everything our Country flag represents, it shouldn't fly. We ALL stand united.
— Connor Shaw (@cmshaw14) June 22, 2015
It is certainly an interesting debate, but it is great to see so many people coming forward to speak out against a symbol that has ties to such a darker past in our country.
Should the flag be removed? Sound off in the comments section below.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports