Since the Emanuel AME Church shooter Dylann Roof had photographs of him posing with Confederate flags, the demand for the Confederate flag to be retired has increased.  What was once an easy symbol to ignore seems to be creeping into the headlines on a regular basis.

Bob Jones teacher Coach Elwell shared his stance. “The Confederate flag means lots of things to lots of different people and has existed as a symbol through many years since its original use. Some view it as objectionable and offensive, others view it as decorative, and many others see it as something in between. That makes for one complicated symbol. In addition to that, we have a constant battle in this country between groups that view government involvement and political correctness differently.”

Many Confederate flag sympathizers use the argument of historical meaning and freedom of speech to justify it.  Even musicians are participating in the national debate. Artists like Yelawolf continue to be pro-flag and use them in their shows, claiming that they’re more of a symbol of Southern Pride than anything to do with race. Kid Rock also weighed in on the issue, but he also said that he had retired the flag in his shows years earlier.  Other artists like Drive By Truckers are strongly against the Confederate flag and what they feel it represents and have even cut certain songs from their show to discourage fans from bringing the flags to their shows.

People who don’t support the Confederate flag generally also argue that the flag should not be flown on public, state or federal places. Bob Jones junior Anna Cotton felt that the flag deserved to be “maybe in museums because it’s a part of history and everything but not flown as something that is prideful because its not something we should be proud of.”

Another student, Sarah Waldrop, stated that the flag represents “history established.”

These opposing viewpoints have trickled into high schools.  Earlier in the school year, students at Hazel Green High School were asked to remove their Confederate flags from their vehicles in order to maintain their driving privileges and avoid suspension.  Vestavia Hills High School has been asked to change their mascot.  These high school issues are not limited to Alabama.  Christianburg High School in Virginia has garnered its own negative attention this week when over 20 students were suspended.  For the record, this issue isn’t limited to the South.  Hastings High School in Michigan has had its own issues.

Personally, I feel it’s a hate symbol and needs to be retired.  You can be proud of where you come from and show your pride in a way that doesn’t remind everyone of the negative aspects of the South.