Philip Gunn, House Speaker, attended the press conference. He spoke out strongly in favor of changing the flag and told the crowd that no one can argue that the flag isn’t harmful to the state since the bans post-season have “now brought a quantifiable harm” upon Mississippi. “This state is crying out for change. Gunn stated that this is an issue that must be addressed quickly. It will get worse the longer it goes. Ladies and gentlemen, the image of our state is at risk here. “The nation is watching,” said the leader of athletics. The flag has been condemned by many, including the Mississippi Baptist Convention, Mississippi Economic Council, and the chair of Mississippi Republican Party. They claim that the flag damages the state’s image and serves as a symbol of oppression for many.