Debate continues on changing Massachusetts seal and motto

BOSTON STATEHOUSE (WWLP) – The Massachusetts State flag and motto are seen as controversial and in want of change by some residents.

The State Commissions tasked with reviewing the Massachusetts seal and motto met Tuesday to debate what the way forward for the flag seems to be like. The 19-person fee contains state lawmakers, Massachusetts tribe members, representatives for the state fee on Indian affairs, and different businesses.

Presently, the Commonwealths’ seal and motto reveals a controversial picture of an indigenous man standing over an arm wielding a sword with the Latin motto, “By the sword we search peace, however peace solely beneath liberty.”

Elizabeth Solomon, Particular Fee on the Official Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth, mentioned, “That is simply imbued with a number of cases of disrespect, racism, and colonialism.”

Through the commissions’ assembly, members burdened the necessity to absolutely perceive and symbolize the historical past of the Bay State, whereas additionally respecting the indigenous folks of Massachusetts.

The Fee was initially given an October 2021 deadline, however that has since been prolonged. Massachusetts wouldn’t be the primary state to vary its seal. Simply final 12 months, Mississippi, modified its flag to take away the accomplice battle cross.