And in order for the state to host future Southeastern Conference championships, as it last did in 2016 with the SEC softball tournament, it will need to pass.
“It is past time for change to be made to the flag of the State of Mississippi,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a recent statement. “Our students deserve an opportunity to learn and compete in environments that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
“In the event there is no change, there will be consideration of precluding Southeastern Conference championship events from being conducted in the State of Mississippi until the flag is changed.”
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The NCAA has banned postseason events in Mississippi for the same reason.
The SEC’s two schools in the state, Mississippi State and the University of Mississippi, have not displayed the flag since 2016. Both released statements of support in the wake of Sankey’s threat to keep conference championships out of the state until its flag is changed.
From Mississippi State president Mark Keenum:
From Ole Miss chancellor Glenn Boyce and athletic director Keith Carter in a joint statement:
“On June 12, I wrote to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the Mississippi House reaffirming that support. The letter said, in part, that our flag should be unifying, not a symbol that divides us. I emphasized that it is time for a renewed, respectful debate on this issue.”
According to WAPT in Jackson, Miss., the legislature that would change the state’s flag is in danger of not making it past committee. State Sen. Derrick Simmons, who filed the resolution, did say he is hopeful the flag will eventually change.
“We support the SEC’s position for changing the Mississippi State flag to an image that is more welcoming and inclusive for all people.”
