Unrest over racial injustice grounds Mississippi flag
In the last few months, you can’t turn on the television or the radio without hearing of another incident of racial injustice occurring in the United States. This reality has led many of all races to become more vocal and speak out more generally against racism and to take issue with monuments and flags viewed to be symbols of continued oppression and racism against African Americans. As this unrest over racial injustice and such symbols has spread throughout the country, it was only a matter of time before it took hold in Mississippi in full force.
Background
Following the momentum of the movement for equality, in the last days of June, the Mississippi House and Senate voted to replace the state flag of Mississippi, which has long featured the Confederate battle emblem. Governor Tate Reeves signed the measure shortly thereafter. Under the law, the now former state flag must be removed from all government buildings and a commission will be appointed to design a new flag, which ultimately will be subject to the approval of Mississippi voters.
So, what does this have to do with workplaces in Mississippi? The same emotions and arguments present in the debate to remove Mississippi’s flag and other controversial symbols nationwide can apply equally when employers seek to avoid racial discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Let’s take a closer look.
Racial discrimination/harassment