Contact: Sid Salter

This is a statement from MSU President Mark E. Keenum in response to multiple media inquiries:

"Flags should unite us and bring us together, not divide us. The tragic events in South Carolina and the evolving national debate over the state flag is a debate that should take place today in Mississippi. In 2001, the Mississippi State University Faculty Senate voted overwhelmingly in support of changing the state flag of Mississippi prior to the failed statewide voter referendum on that question. I have seen no indication that attitudes have changed on that question on our campus.

"As the university with the highest percentage African American enrollment in the Southeastern Conference, this debate is relevant and important to us. Finally, MSU would certainly prefer the opportunity to host NCAA championships on behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, and university community. Since 1963 and the 'Game of Change' with Loyola in the NCAA basketball tournament, MSU has been unequivocal in our support for fair and inclusive competition."