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NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from its races and events, which the organization hopes will make sports a more welcoming space. The move was met with criticism on Twitter and other platforms.
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NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from its races and events, which the organization hopes will make sports a more welcoming space. The move was met with criticism on Twitter and others.
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Photo: Rob Carr, STF / Associated Press
NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from its races and events, which the organization hopes will make sports a more welcoming space. The move was met with criticism on Twitter and other platforms.
Less
NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from its races and events, which the organization hopes will make sports a more welcoming space. The move was met with criticism on Twitter and others.
… plus
Photo: Rob Carr, STF / Associated Press
On Wednesday, prior to the NASCAR All-Star Race, a Confederation flag was displayed over Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn.
The banner included the URL of a Tennessee-based group called Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Washington Post reported.
“It is the hope of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans that NASCAR fans are allowed the fundamental American right to show pride in their family and heritage. … We believe that NASCAR slander of our southern heritage only further divides our nation, “group commander-in-chief Paul C. Gramling Jr. told the Columbia Daily Herald in June.
WCYB reported that “some” Confederate flags were visible at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“It is your First Amendment right, free speech to do whatever it takes,” a NASCAR fan told the station. “At the same time, we are trying to attract new people to the sport.”
The Confederate flag, which has long been associated with the sport, also flies over the site of a Series Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama on June 21.
Both incidents occurred after June 10, when NASCAR banned the display of the Confederate flag at all of its events. The decision came shortly after a rope was discovered at Bubba Wallace’s tea stand. Wallace is the only full-time black driver in the Cup.
“The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events is contrary to our commitment to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors, and our industry. Bringing people together around the love of racing and the community it creates is what makes our fans and sports special, “NASCAR said in June of the flag ban.
