Sharpton suspends call for Citadel president’s resignation

By BRUCE SMITH
Associated Press Writer

CHARLESTON, SC (AP) — Civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton says his National Action Network is suspending its call for the resignation of The Citadel president over photographs in which cadets appeared with pillowcases on their heads similar to Ku Klux Klan garb.

Sharpton and other activists met with retired Air Force Lt. Gen. John Rosa late Wednesday. Afterward Sharpton said the civil rights group will wait and see what happens as the South Carolina military college holds administrative hearings for the cadets who have been suspended.

Sharpton said his group also plans to urge state lawmakers to let The Citadel remove the Confederate flag from the college chapel.

The Citadel Board of Visitors has voted to have the flag taken down, but under state law, the General Assembly must approve the move.

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