Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey had the Mississippi state flag removed at a park near the Statue of Liberty because it boasted the Confederate symbol. “New Jersey’s strength is rooted in our diverse communities,” Murphy, a Democrat, said in a statement announcing his decision to remove the flag at Liberty State Park. “The Confederate symbol displayed on the Mississippi state flag is reprehensible and does not reflect our values of inclusivity and equality.”
Image Source: State Symbols USA
The park that is situated near Ellis and Liberty Islands has a section called Freedom Way that boasts flags from all 50 states. The Mississippi flag will now be replaced with the American flag.
State Sen. Sandra Cunningham is who requested the Governor to remove the flag. “The Confederate flag symbolizes an era of hate, violence, and division,” she said. “I thank Governor Murphy for his commitment to tolerance and equality and for the decision to remove this hateful symbol from Liberty State Park. Hate has no home in New Jersey.”
The decision to remove the Mississippi flag from the park angered Mississippi state’s governor, Phil Bryant, who said he was “disappointed” by the decision of Murphy.