Almost 13 years have passed since the South Carolina Legislature talked definitive plans to remove the Confederate flag from the state Capitol, and we think it’s time for another discussion.
We understand this issue divides even the closest of neighbors. But regardless of what historic symbolism the flag holds for individual supporters, its presence on State House grounds sends a political statement — intentional or not — that many people still find offensive. While legislators voted to take the flag down from the building’s dome in 2000, their compromise — placing it beside the Confederate memorial prominently located on Gervais Street — simply wasn’t enough for some organizations.
Many continue to boycott the Palmetto State. The NAACP maintains a tourism ban on South Carolina, and the NCAA won’t allow predetermined postseason tournaments to be played in the state. Legislators’ unwavering ideology regarding the flag ultimately harms not only USC and the city of Columbia but the entire state of South Carolina.
These groups and organizations could present valuable opportunities and income from tourists and visitors, but our state is unwilling to make a sacrifice to welcome and respect them. Keeping the Confederate flag on our State House grounds compromises South Carolina’s reputation, its struggling economy and its increasingly diverse and multicultural citizens. The people ultimately suffer from our legislature’s inaction.
It’s not fair our highly seeded women’s basketball team is not allowed to host a home tournament game because of the NCAA ban. It’s also unfair our legislators are ignoring an issue prominent citizens, including USC President Harris Pastides and football coach Steve Spurrier, vehemently disagree with.
It’s 2013, and South Carolina shouldn’t be the last of two holdouts on this divisive issue. We can only hope our legislators agree.