Information pulled from the Bakersfield Californian (September 28, 1968)
In 1968, the Confederate Flag became the focal point of controversy at South High School in Bakersfield, CA. In spring of that year, a group of African American students submitted a petition to the administration asking that the use of the Confederate Flag be discontinued. Students argued that the flag to them represented racism and slavery of the Old South. When school started again in fall of 1968, racial tensions grew and at one point the Bakersfield Police Department was called to quell “threatening disturbances.”
Official Announcement from the ASB Executive Board discontinuing the use of the Confederate Flag. (September 26, 1968)
On Thursday, September 26, 1968, the schools’ ASB and administration decided to permanently discontinue the use of the Confederate Flag to its campus organizations – specifically the Rebellettes. However, South High retained its team names of the Rebels, Raiders, and the Riders.
Official Announcement from Principal Don Murfin reminding students to accept differences.Large groups of white students, protested the decision, and refused to go to their second period class. Principal, Don Murfin, and the faculty urged the students to return to class. At the end of the day, 68 students were suspended. 300 parents of the suspended students stormed the Kern High School District Office during a Board Meeting to protest the handling of the controversy surrounding the Confederate Flag.
Before 1968, groups and clubs on South High's campus flew the Confederate Flag. The flag was discontinued for club and campus use after 1968.
So many people showed up that the meeting was moved to Harvey Auditorium at Bakersfield High School. Parents of the suspended students demanded that suspensions be lifted. The parents charged that South High lacked discipline at the school and that the entire student body, not the just the ASB, had a voice on the continued use of the Confederate Flag that had been the symbol of the school since 1957. Following the meeting, suspensions were lifted and removed from their permanent records. Over the next few days, South High heightened security at campus and the Confederate Flag was still being flown by cars passing by the campus.
The Confederate Flag was displayed in the parking lot after the South High ASB agreed to remove it from their school, clubs, and organizations. Despite the tension and conflict that hovered over South High concerning the Confederate Flag, there was solidarity and hope on campus… IN FOOTBALL!!!! The South High Rebels were 1968 CIF Central Section Valley Co-Champions and were instrumental in fostering an environment of respect and acceptance of differences.
#32 Brent McClanahan was a star running back for the Rebels in their 1968 Valley Championship Team. McClanahan played in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings.
Game film of the South High Rebels 1968 Valley Championship Game in which they tied Fresno 13-13.