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Council urges removal of Confederate flag from South Carolina state capitol, approves supportive resolution and economic measures
Summary
The council passed a substitute motion urging removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina state capitol, encouraged a boycott and other coordinated actions, and adopted the substitute motion after public comment and a substitute vote.
The City Council took a public position urging the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina state capitol and approved a substitute motion that also urges residents and city entities to consider steps such as travel and economic measures in support of removal.
Public speakers, including residents and NAACP representatives, addressed the council in favor of action. Speakers described the flag as a symbol of slavery and segregation and urged the council to adopt measures including encouraging a boycott, asking city employees to refrain from official travel to South Carolina, and asking other jurisdictions and organizations to join the effort. "Symbols are significant," one speaker said in urging the council to act.
Council members debated and then approved a substitute motion on a roll call (10 ayes reported on the substitute motion roll call). The substitute motion was presented as 36a on members' desks and carried following the vote. Councilmembers framed the action as a civic expression of solidarity with those calling for the flag's removal and as part of a broader effort to pressure state officials to act.
The council recorded its position and urged other jurisdictions and organizations to consider similar measures; councilmembers said the measure is consistent with prior city actions on civil-rights issues and encouraged other cities and bodies to join.
