NASCAR Releases Statement In Support Of Confederate Flag Removal From SC State Capitol


The political debate surrounding the Confederate flag has contributed to several companies’ decision to announce the discontinuance of Confederacy-inspired merchandise. Now, another notable business is speaking out in support of Gov. Nikki Haley’s stance where the flag is concerned.

According to USA Today, NASCAR has released a statement supporting the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina state capitol.

“As we continue to mourn the tragic loss of life last week in Charleston, we join our nation’s embrace of those impacted. NASCAR supports the position that South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley took on the Confederate Flag on Monday. As our industry works collectively to ensure that all fans are welcome at our races, NASCAR will continue our long-standing policy to disallow the use of the Confederate Flag symbol in any official NASCAR capacity. While NASCAR recognizes that freedom of expression is an inherent right of all citizens, we will continue to strive for an inclusive environment at our events.”

NASCAR’s statement follows several other press releases from major retailers who have also decided to stop selling Confederacy-inspired merchandise. According to CNN, Walmart, Sears, Etsy, eBay, Amazon, and Target have all stated that Confederate flag items have been discontinued amid the Charleston shooting and the debate over the controversial battle flag.

On June 23, South Carolina lawmakers also voted “overwhelmingly” to consider the removal of the flag from South Carolina Statehouse grounds, reports Yahoo! News. Lawmakers reportedly voted 103-10 in the House and a voice vote in the Senate, which opens the door for a serious flag debate.

Following the vote, lawmakers also said a dedicatory prayer in honor of Sen. Clementa Pinckney, who was also a pastor of Emanuel AME Church. Sen. Pinckney was one of the nine victims murdered in the Charleston church massacre on Wednesday, June 17. “I ask that in the memory of Mr. Pinckney that we are generous in spirit, gracious in our conversation and please — even if we disagree, let’s agree to disagree agreeably,” said Democratic Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter. “Those nine families have shown us how to do it. I would strongly suggest we take a cue from them.”

[Image via Wikimedia Commons]

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