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Residents urge Williamson County Commission to seek waiver to remove Confederate flag from county seal
Summary
Four residents, including parents and local advocacy group members, spoke during the citizen comment period urging the county commission to submit a waiver petition to the Tennessee Monuments and Memorials Commission to remove the Confederate flag from the county seal.
Four citizens addressed the Williamson County Commission during public comment on July 14, urging commissioners to submit a waiver petition to the Tennessee Monuments and Memorials Commission to remove the Confederate flag from the Williamson County seal.
Samantha Ozan, a Franklin parent, told the commission she wants the board to "vote and approve a new resolution to submit a waiver petition to the Tennessee Monuments and Memorials Commission to remove the Confederate flag from the Williamson County seal." Ozan said the flag is "a symbol of the southern side of the veil war" and that, in her view, it is "used to separate and divide our citizens and our neighbors."
Corey Martin, who identified himself as a parent and a representative of the group 1 Wilco, said the group was "joining the many voices" asking the commission to honor a 2020 commitment to remove the Confederate flag and to take steps following a recent amendment to the Heritage Protection Act. Martin said removal would "send a powerful message to our black and brown neighbors that they are respected, valued, and fully welcome in our government buildings, in our schools, and in our community."
A resident who identified himself as Dustin (Tenth District) referenced a 2020 county resolution (9-20-18) and the mayor's task force report, saying the task force—s report recommended removal and that the county should "stay the course to do what's right." He said one outside legal group in Murray County is the only entity to file an official legal opposition and urged commissioners to lead.
Emily Paisley, who said she was not prepared but spoke from personal experience, said the flag is widely understood in the community as a symbol that can intimidate and exclude. Paisley said she has family history in the county and that students in school districts have experienced racial bullying; she urged the commission to take the matter "seriously."
No action was taken during the July 14 meeting on the subject; the speakers asked the commission to pass a resolution to submit a waiver petition under the Heritage Protection Act and to bring the issue to the Tennessee Monuments and Memorials Commission.
