In non-maritime references, the word “flagship” is used to describe one of a group of things which is recognized for its leadership qualities.
From time to time, the word is used to describe the University of Mississippi — often by those with ties to that university. Naturally, that description grates on the ears of those at the state’s seven other state-supported universities, especially Mississippi State, the state’s largest university and the University of Mississippi’s greatest rival.
The truth is each of our universities have earned the right to that distinction in one field or another.
Yet when it comes to advancing the cause of racial equality, Mississippi State and MUW appear to be abdicating that flagship status to Ole Miss and the University of Southern Mississippi.
This week we learned, well after the fact, that Mississippi State had quietly removed Mississippi’s state flag, with its Confederate imagery, from sites throughout campus. Likewise, Mississippi University for Women removed the state flag, also in a somewhat surreptitious manner, in July.
Both universities had grappled with the state flag controversy this past year. MUW held a student forum in November to discuss the issue while at Mississippi State, a student-led sit-in in April thrust the matter into public view.
At the time of those gatherings both MUW President Dr. Jim Borsig and MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum said publicly the flag would remain on campus, although both said they favored a new flag.
Keenum, in particular, made note that any change in the state flag must occur through the proper process, primarily through legislation or a vote.
That was the message he sent to student protesters last spring. It is a fair question to ask now what happened to that process that Keenum said must be followed.
It is interesting that neither president chose not to announce a change in policy as the flags came down on their campuses, which strongly suggests an effort to avoid criticism that could follow.
That stands in sharp contrast to the manner in which Ole Miss and Southern Miss confronted the issue, publicly and courageously. Both universities announced the state flag would be removed from campus and were willing to withstand the wrath that decision incurred.
When we think of leadership, we often think of the benefits that role bestows. Yet any true leader knows that status has its costs, too.
It can mean standing alone and enduring the brunt of attack when public response is least certain and passions are at their highest. It means accepting that role with the knowledge that those who follow will have a smoother journey.
The leaders at Ole Miss and Southern Miss rightly understood their stakeholders were entitled to know about the decisions made on so controversial a topic. Certainly, stakeholders at MSU and MUW were entitled to no less consideration.
As our state continues to grapple with the ugly implications associated with our state flag, there are many ships that ply these troubled waters.
On this subject, Ole Miss and Southern Miss have earned the title of flagship while Mississippi State and MUW follow timidly in their wake.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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