There has been much ado in The Pendulum lately concerning the Confederate flag. It’s clear that there are strong emotions on both sides of the issue. I, as many Northerners do, see the flag as a symbol of treason, slavery, ignorance and hate. While I cannot and should not ban the right to display this flag [such an egregious error would have terrible Constitutional consequences], there are ways to sway public opinion which can be embraced.

The Confederate flag at Elon isn’t much of an issue; it’s limited to what can be brushed aside easily, such as a random bumper sticker and a certain apartment in The Oaks which has it obviously on display. There is, however, a pertinent and current issue which affects Elon directly: athletics.

Sanctions by the NCAA and endorsed by the Black Coaches Association have been placed upon Southern states [mainly Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina] and institutions displaying a Confederate flag. The most recent event came in January, when the NCAA rejected a proposal to extend a ban on certain athletic activities to “include championships awarded on merit” [playoffs] from the aforementioned states. The NCAA based its decision on the lack of political influence the schools; they are not to be punished for what is beyond their control. We agree with this decision. Yet there are still actions to help foster a collegiate atmosphere without the foul stench of hate hanging about.

To take the moral high ground, Elon athletics should undertake two policies which will be the subject of an upcoming petition.

First, to refuse to partake in any sporting event held in Mississippi. This policy can be viewed as largely symbolic and undisruptive given that no school in Mississippi is part of SoCon and in the 2006-2007 academic year, no Elon sporting events occurred in the state.

Second, the university should vow to immediately terminate participation in any sporting event at which a Confederate flag is prominently displayed, regardless of the state.

Will this cause some forfeits for Elon? It is possible. But the righteous path is often the more difficult one.

If the issue continues to be a thorn in the side of these states and individuals, change can happen. One university, one student body can affect another. And another. And then change will happen.

Student: Ben Deloose, 08 - 04/05/07