County tightens public use policy after Confederate rally

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) – Supervisors in a Mississippi county are making changes to how county property can be used for public events following a rally supporting Confederate symbols.

The Oxford Eagle reports Lafayette County supervisors voted to require 30-day notice before someone can use the county courthouse or other public buildings for an event. Previously, five-day notice had been required.

Supervisors say users must pay an hourly fee, and that the county sheriff will add additional fees if the event causes unusual traffic or law enforcement demands.

The new rules restrict the length of poles used for flags and banners and prohibit use of masks to conceal identities.

Pro-Confederate groups rallied at Confederate monument in front of the county courthouse on Feb. 23, marching to another Confederate monument on the University of Mississippi campus.

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Information from: Oxford Eagle, http://www.oxfordeagle.com

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