An open discussion on the ethical issues associated with the Confederate flag kicks off the Java Jabber series on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 4:30 p.m. at Coastal Carolina University. This event takes place at Kimbel Library, on the second floor of the Bryan Information Commons. It is free and open to the public.

The Confederate flag has been a source of tension and debate for decades. While some view it as a symbol of Southern pride and heritage, others see the flag as a source of hatred and oppression. The discussion will examine what exactly the flag denotes for individuals of each camp, as well as focus on the ethical issues pertaining to the use or display of the Confederate flag. Participants of the discussion will receive a "Java Buck" good for $1 off a purchase at Java City.

Ken Thrasher, lieutenant commander of the S.C. Sons of Confederate Veterans, will speak on the history and culture of the Confederate flag.

Visiting ethicist and Jackson Center Fellow David Killoren will moderate the discussion. Killoren earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his primary teaching and research interests were in ethics. He is also the co-founder and managing editor of Philosophy TV, a video website devoted to philosophical thinking. Preston McKever-Floyd from the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and Maggi Morehouse with the Department of History will also participate.

For more information about this event, contact the Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values at 843-349-4149 or visit www.coastal.edu/jacksoncenter.