An afternoon drive down Hardy Street can end up as a history lesson, as Hattiesburg residents see the first amendment up close an personal. Last spring, the University of Southern Mississippi President, Rodney Bennett ordered the take down of the Mississippi state flag on all Southern Miss campuses.
The flag, which contains the Confederate battle emblem and some find it a painful reminder of slavery and segregation. Every Sunday since, Hattiesburg residents have gathered at the front of USM’s campus in protest to the removal of the state flag.
Jared Hines, a Petal Resident, stands beside the University’s decision, stating
“We have a flag that speaks all things slavery, all things Jim Crow...”
While other Mississippians believe it is unconstitutional without a two-thirds vote fo the legislature.
Mississippi received national recognition from numerous networks over the summer, from the removal of the state flag on government property.
And even though several months have past, drivers can still expect protesters on Hardy Street every Sunday.
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