BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—On Monday night, Berkeley County Council passed a resolution urging South Carolina lawmakers to remove the Confederate flag from Statehouse grounds.
The vote was five to zero. Councilmen Jack Schurlknight, Philip Farley and Tommy Newell declined to take part in the vote.
Via social media, Newell stated that that there were four reasons why he did not take part in the measure.
“My reasoning (for not voting) is that NOW is not the time because nine amazing Christians are not buried. Two—I think it’s a knee jerk reaction because of the tragedy. Three—Will removing the flag be the last thing removed, replaced or renamed? When will it stop? Eradicating history even if it offends you is wrong. Four—I think more thought should be given to the compromise back in 2000, how it came to be and what is in store now,” stated Newell.
The move marks the first for a government body, according to Berkeley County Spokesperson Michael Mule.
Whether the Confederate flag should be removed has generated mixed reactions throughout Berkeley County.
“It is a flag and a piece of our history. In itself it is not racist or derogatory. Only in the eyes of the person looking at it does it hold positive or negative influence,” wrote Dyllyn Hall via Facebook.
“If the flag doesn’t represent hatred or racism, please give me another reason the flag did NOT fly in the state Capitol UNTIL the Civil Rights Movement? Why didn’t it fly prior to this year and why did it begin that year?” Lori Sharp of Goose Creek stated.
Berkeley County Council’s move comes just several hours after Governor Nikki Haley called for its removal from Statehouse grounds.
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