Mississippi State University’s student government group became the latest entity calling for the adoption of a new state flag Tuesday.
The MSU Student Association Senate voted 20-4, with five senators abstaining, to support changing the state’s banner.
“Our flag should serve to unite all Mississippians and represent our state’s promising future,” MSUSA President JoJo Dodd said in a release. “I’m proud of the students, faculty and administration … for showing leadership on this issue and seeking to better our community and our state.”
The MSU Faculty Senate passed a similar resolution last month in a 37-1 vote. In 2001, it previously supported the state flag design voters ultimately defeated in that year’s election.
“The Faculty Senate is united with MSU President Mark Keenum in recommending the adoption of a new, redesigned state flag for Mississippi,” said MSUFS President C.P. Coyne after the Aug. 21 vote.
In July, Starkville aldermen voted 4-3 to lower the flag, which depicts a Confederate symbol, from city-owned property.
On Tuesday, District 5 Supervisor Joe Williams called upon fellow board members to take up the issue this term and vote to remove what he described as a divisive symbol.
A majority of Oktibbeha County voters supported 2001’s flag redesign.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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