New move to scrub Confederate emblem from Mississippi flag

BY EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS
Associated Press October 2, 2015 Updated 25 minutes ago

JACKSON, MISS. — A new proposal seeks a statewide election on removing the Confederate battle emblem from Mississippi's flag. But it could be years before the issue reaches a ballot, and there's no guarantee voters would accept it.

Mississippi officials said Friday that a Jackson resident filed paperwork for a ballot initiative that would erase all references to the Confederacy from the flag, where the emblem has been since 1894. Voters chose to keep it in 2001, but the shooting of nine black worshippers at a South Carolina church in June has renewed debate about publicly displaying Confederate symbols.

Critics say the emblem is a divisive reminder of slavery and segregation. Supporters call it a symbol of Southern heritage.

The earliest the proposal could be on the ballot is 2018.