Cambridge Removes 'Offensive' State Flag From Council Chambers

CAMBRIDGE, MA — The Cambridge City Council this week voted to remove the state flag from its chambers over concerns it's offensive and racist. The flag depicts the disembodied arm of Myles Standish, a military officer who helped the Pilgrims in the 1600s, holding a sword over a Native American's head. Standish was known for his brutality toward Native Americans and beheaded several.

The flag will still be displayed in Cambridge City Hall, just not in City Council chambers. The city is expected to find a new display place for the flag by July 29. The city solicitor determined there's no law saying the state flag must be displayed in the city council chambers.

Ahead of the vote Monday night, a number of residents spoke in favor of moving the flag from the chambers, including Tom King.

"I hope you can in fact remove it from the chamber. Find a decent place for it," said King. "But change it."

The decision happened as the state legislature considers a plan to redesign the flag.

The flag depicts the state seal, which was adopted by John Hancock, Massachusetts' first governor, on Dec. 13, 1780. The seal depicts the disembodied arm of Standish holding a sword over a shield with a Native American standing inside. The juxtaposition of Standish's arm and sword over the Native person, so close to his head, is what many have taken issue with.

Some residents told the City Council removing the flag could have a healing effect between the indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

Danny DeGulielmo described it as a "hideous flag of Massachusetts ... a tremendous trespass." Another resident called it an "offensive violent symbol."

Others said that's looking at it the wrong way. The Native American is holding an arrow is pointing downward, representing peace, they claim. At the bottom of the flag is a blue ribbon with the motto: "By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty." The arm with the sword simply represents the first part of the motto, they argue.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).