In the twentieth century this flag has become a symbol of racism and white supremacy and, as such, is inflammatory and offensive to many Americans. Because of financial commitments made more than two years ago, it is impossible to honor the boycott at this time. More important than financial considerations, however, is the fact that the conference itself will celebrate the valuable racial and ethnic diversity of American music, an important message that we believe is a contradiction of what the flag has come to represent. It is reprehensible that the state of South Carolina upholds a symbol that has become so divisive and disrespectful.
Symbols have more than one meaning.
During the past month, the news media have given what was a local argument considerable national exposure, and we now know that the situation is more complex than it first appeared to be. I feel that your comment with regard to the display of the Confederate flag at the South Carolina capitol dome was entirely appropriate. At the same time, I understand your reasons for going ahead with the meeting in Charleston. This does creat a quandry for me, however. I have been a member of the Sonneck Society for all of my professional life, now some twenty-five years.