The University of Vermont earned praise from Black Lives Matter supporters – and criticism from its dissidents – after raising a BLM flag next to the U.S. and state flags. Many students were deeply affected and were left with pride for their school’s decision to support black lives. 

“UVM putting the flag up and opening the visibility up on campus just really hits close to home for such a small community of people of color on this campus. It really speaks really loudly to all the students around here,” said Meghan Nanan, a junior, to WCAX.

After seeing that the first flag was taken down and stolen this past Saturday, the school has chosen to continue their mission by raising a second flag, according to the Burlington Free Press.

“Last night, the Black Lives Matter flag on the UVM campus was stolen,” Student Government Association President Jason Maulucci said in a statement. “This action underscores the necessity in this country to engage in a frank and open discussion about the injustices that so many Americans face simply because of the color of their skin. We as a nation will not be able to address these challenges unless we fully acknowledge that there is a problem.”

The original plan was reportedly to have the flag raised through this past Monday, when a group of students would organize and come together to honor it in a “Blackout” event where they would all wear black.

“I just feel like UVM took a step in the right direction,” said co-organizer Akilah Ho-young. “The flag being stolen does not change my feelings about UVM because I know that not everyone is going to be in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.”

Fortunately, a replacement flag was raised just a few hours later on Sunday.

 

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