WASHINGTON (AP) – The Confederate flag is now banned on military installations.
The Pentagon laid out its decision in a carefully worded policy that doesn’t specifically mention the word ban or that particular flag.
The memo, signed by Defense Secretary Mark Esper Thursday night, lists the types of flags that may be displayed, including the U.S. flag, state banners and the POW/MIA flag.
The Confederate flag is not on that list.
Officials said it was a creative way to ban the flag’s display without drawing the ire of President Trump, who has repeatedly defended the people’s rights to display it.
In the memo , Esper said outlined what types of flags symbol are in line with the military’s beliefs.
“The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols.”
Confederate flags, monuments and military bases named after Confederate generals have again become a polarizing issue across the United States on the heels of nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police.
Protesters are demanding an end to systemic racism and police brutality.
Some protesters have taken Confederate monuments down themselves illegally while most were legally removed by city officials.
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