NASCAR is the latest professional organization to publicly call for the removal of the Confederate battle flag that flies in front of the South Carolina State House in Columbia.
On Monday, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley vowed to use executive authority to take down the flag, and on Tuesday, NASCAR issued a statement mirroring the governor’s sentiments. (Related: SC Gov. Says ‘It’s Time To Move The Flag From The Capitol Grounds’ [VIDEO])
In statement, #NASCAR expresses support for removing the Confederate flag from S.C. statehouse grounds.
— Jim Utter (@jim_utter) June 23, 2015
NASCAR’s official statement, per Yahoo:
As we continue to mourn the tragic loss of life last week in Charleston, we join our nation’s embrace of those impacted. NASCAR supports the position that South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley took on the Confederate Flag on Monday. As our industry works collectively to ensure that all fans are welcome at our races, NASCAR will continue our long-standing policy to disallow the use of the Confederate Flag symbol in any official NASCAR capacity. While NASCAR recognizes that freedom of expression is an inherent right of all citizens, we will continue to strive for an inclusive environment at our events.
NASCAR’s position — which seems to be taken by the majority of America — marks a sharp departure from its past views on the use of the Confederate flag.
NASCAR's official stance is a pretty sharp departure from its earlier days, like this 1976 Darlington program. pic.twitter.com/wQOUHMCajt
— Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) June 23, 2015