The ‘Black Lives Matter’ flag that had been flying alongside the Star Spangled Banner on the University of Vermont Burlington Campus since Thursday has been stolen, according to the Student Government Association.
The Student Government sponsored flag was put on display “to show symbolic support for our community when so many are struggling with violence and search for justice in this country” its president Jason Maulucci told local media. It was supposed to stay there throughout the weekend, but was reportedly stolen on Saturday night.
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In a statement posted on Facebook, the group said this flying the flag underscored “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.”
The University’s president, Tom Sullivan, had endorsed the display of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ flag, nevertheless distinguishing it from an official endorsement of the movement.
But not everyone was happy about it. Some members of the University community told local radio station WCAX-TV they thought it was inappropriate to fly a political organization’s flag at the same height as the American flag, while others expressed their disapproval by saying they believed “all” lives should matter.
Campus officials are investigating the theft, according to the Washington Times.