The NCAA will not hold championships in any states that continue to display the Confederate flag image—and the only state to do so is Mississippi.
The Confederate flag debate continues as news that the NCAA will extend its ban surfaces. Many Southerners in the United States see the Confederate flag as a proud symbol their history, while others view the flag as a reminder that 11 southern states seceded from the U.S. in hopes forming their own country because they wanted their own rights that included the continuation slavery. The Confederates lost the Civil War and slavery was outlawed, and today, many see the flag as a reminder America’s racist history.
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ESPN reports that the NCAA has put its foot down against any states that continue to tout the Confederate flag, stating that they will not hold any championships at any schools in those locations. At the moment, the only state who qualifies for those restrictions is Mississippi, whose state flag includes the battle cross banner the Confederacy.
“There is no place in college athletics or the world for symbols or acts discrimination and oppression,” said Michael V. Drake, chair the NCAA board governors and Ohio State president. “We must continually evaluate ways to protect and enhance the championship experience for college athletes. Expanding the Confederate flag policy to all championships is an important step by the NCAA to further provide a quality experience for all participants and fans.”
Back when the NCAA first announced its ban against states who donned the Confederate flag, Mississippi and South Carolina were the only two states included. After Dylann Ro walked into the historically Black Emanuel African Methodist Church in 2015, prayed with the congregation, and then opened fire in a mass shooting, things changed. Nine people were slaughtered in the racially-motivated massacre, and South Carolina decided to take down the Confederate flag from its Capitol.