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Council backs resolution urging removal of Confederate flag from South Carolina statehouse and endorses economic pressure
Summary
The council adopted a motion urging the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina state capitol and supported economic pressure and travel discouragement as part of broader protest actions.
The Los Angeles City Council adopted a substitute motion calling for removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina state capitol and encouraging economic pressure and travel discouragement measures.
Public speakers, including Ernest Smith and several councilmembers, urged the council to take a strong stand. Smith said symbols “are significant” and urged Los Angeles to demonstrate leadership. Councilmember Wax, speaking in support, recommended the city join the NAACP’s boycott efforts and asked other cities and associations to follow.
Councilmembers cited historical examples and local incidents of racially motivated violence to underscore the symbolic and real harms they associate with the flag. The council debated and then approved a substitute motion (36a on members’ desks) prepared by the sponsors. The vote on the substitute motion was recorded as 10 ayes.
The motion asks city officials to publicize the council’s position and encourages regional and national organizations to join in efforts to urge the state of South Carolina to remove the flag from official display.
