A Fayetteville High School student has now been suspended for donning a Confederate flag sweatshirt. Reported first by KARK, the students wore the apparel to support the History, Not Hate movement.
Students were given the choice to remove the apparel or be suspended. At this time, one student has received out of school suspension.
The History Not Hate movement perpetuates the idea that the Confederate flag is an emblem of southern pride rather than a symbol for racism. The social media based movement largely relies on “hashtag” activism to spread this message.
The movement has gained momentum in response to pressures to remove Confederate statues across the South.
Only a year and a half ago, protests historically erupted in Charlottesville, Virginia over a debate to remove a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee who led the Confederate army in the Civil War. On Monday, Mississippi and Alabama officially celebrated Robert E. Lee Day in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
What does the flag mean to you?