The presence of Confederate flags have been banned from all NASCAR events, races and properties effective immediately, stock car racing's governing body announced Wednesday.
Previously, the Confederate flag has been "disallowed" at races.
"The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry," a statement read. "Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties."
Bubba Wallace, NASCAR's lone black driver at the top level, called for the banning of the confederate flag earlier this week. However, when pressed by reporters later, other drivers — including Martin Truex Jr., Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin — refused to take a hard stance on the matter, while saying they disagree with the racist symbolism the flag carries.
Now, NASCAR has ended any debate of whether the flag belongs.
Protests across the country in response to racial injustice and disproportionate police brutality against minorities have affected athletes in all sports, NASCAR no exception. Wallace, for example, will race with the words "Black Lives Matter" on his vehicle Wednesday night at Martinsville, Virginia.
Earlier Wednesday, NBC Sports reported that NASCAR had removed all guidelines requiring all team members to stand for the national anthem. The guidelines were actually removed last week before the Atlanta race when NASCAR official Kirk Price kneeled during the invocation and raised a fist. He remained kneeling during the anthem while saluting the flag.
Price served in the U.S. Army for three years, active duty.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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