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University of South Carolina Takes Stance Against Confederate Flag

Several prominent Gamecocks have called for the removal of the flag

By Kaci B
Davis Turner/Getty Images

In the wake of the racially-motivated massacre in Charleston last week there has been increased discussion both nationally and in South Carolina about the appropriateness of flying the confederate flag on the grounds of the SC State House. While proponents of keeping the flag argue that it represents Southern heritage, it is undeniably a symbol of racial hatred in the eyes of most people.

Amidst rumors that the lawmakers are seeking a way to quickly bring the flag down from its prominent position on the Statehouse grounds, the University of South Carolina has taken a stance supporting that action.  The official USC twitter account tweeted Monday afternoon that university president Harris Pastides has called for the removal of the flag:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UofSC?src=hash">#UofSC</a> President <a href="https://twitter.com/HarrisPastides">@HarrisPastides</a> calls for the removal of the Confederate Battle flag from State House grounds. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CharlestonStrong?src=hash">#CharlestonStrong</a></p>&mdash; U of South Carolina (@UofSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UofSC/status/613024577841553408">June 22, 2015</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Is there not some other place for the Confederate flag? A place that would unify our people rather than divide us. via <a href="https://twitter.com/HarrisPastides">@HarrisPastides</a></p>&mdash; U of South Carolina (@UofSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UofSC/status/613025016637095936">June 22, 2015</a></blockquote>

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Head football coach Steve Spurrier has long been on the record against the flying of the flag.

Now athletic director Ray Tanner has added his voice to the call as well:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It is time to remove the flag. We are ONE !!&#10;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CharlestonStrong?src=hash">#CharlestonStrong</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gamecocks?src=hash">#Gamecocks</a></p>&mdash; Ray Tanner (@RayTannerSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/RayTannerSC/status/613032704234364929">June 22, 2015</a></blockquote>

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Women's basketball coach Dawn Staley has also tweeted her support for bringing the flag down:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I REPEAT: LEADERS MAKE THE UNPOPULAR BUT RIGHT DECISIONS. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STAYTUNED?src=hash">#STAYTUNED</a> <a href="https://t.co/1SsmVC2VVG">https://t.co/1SsmVC2VVG</a></p>&mdash; dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) <a href="https://twitter.com/dawnstaley/status/613042522579988481">June 22, 2015</a></blockquote>

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