Michigan State Senator Dale Zorn Apologizes For Wearing Confederate Flag Mask
Image via Shutterstock
Michigan state senator Dale Zorn has issued an apology after wearing a face mask with a design resembling the Confederate flag.
Zorn was called out by the public and other lawmakers for the “deeply hurtful” homemade mask he wore last Friday at the State Capitol.
“Frankly, I’m at a loss for words other than to say I’m just really disappointed to see him make a choice that is deeply hurtful to so many people,” Jim Ananich, Senate Democratic Leader of Michigan, tweeted.
Zorn initially denied that the mask was emblazoned with the Confederate flag during an interview with WLNS. He told the news outlet that it was just a mask that his wife had made for him to wear that day.
The senator adamantly proclaimed that his spouse had told him the pattern was “similar to” the Kentucky or Tennessee state flags. Zorn then added that even if it had represented the Confederacy, it shouldn’t be “something we just throw away” as it was a part of US history.
“And if we want to make sure that the atrocities that happened during that time doesn’t happen again, we should be teaching it,” he said. “Our kids should know what that flag stands for.”
He has since apologized for his actions, writing that he will learn from this controversy.
On Twitter, Zorn issued a statement apologizing to those who were offended by the symbol. “I’m sorry for my choice of pattern on the face mask I wore yesterday on the Senate floor. I did not intend to offend anyone, however, I realize that I did, and for that I am sorry,” he tweeted.
“My actions were
During a senate vote at the capitol it was brought to our attention that one State Senator was wearing a mask that appeared to have the confederate flag on it. State Senator Dale Zorn was wearing the mask and shared his response with 6 News. https://t.co/JfI9v58yQS
— WLNS Newsroom (@WLNS) April 24, 2020
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— Dale W. Zorn (@DaleZornSenate) April 25, 2020
I’m sorry for my choice of pattern on the face mask I wore yesterday on the Senate floor. I did not intend to offend anyone; however, I realize that I did, and for that I am sorry. Those who know me best know that I do not support the things this pattern represents.
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— Dale W. Zorn (@DaleZornSenate) April 25, 2020
My actions were an error in judgment for which there are no excuses and I will learn from this episode.
Frankly, I’m at a loss for words other than to say I’m just really disappointed to see him make a choice that is deeply hurtful to so many people. When he was called out for it, he didn’t seem to even understand or acknowledge what the problem was. https://t.co/doyD73YAlf
— Senator Jim Ananich (@jimananich) April 25, 2020
Dale Zorn wore a confederate flag face mask in our capitol today. He walked past the display of Michigan’s bloodied Civil War battle flags wearing an emblem of our defeated foe. We all know what that flag stands for. He should be recalled. https://t.co/dwVZbAUL9o
— Kathryn Loomis (@kathrynloomis) April 25, 2020
Why did Senator Dale Zorn wear a Confederate Flag Mask on the floor of the Michigan Senate today? Riddle me that! He's a disgrace to my Michigan ancestors who shed blood to bury that rag.
— Stephen Michigan Bell (@StevoBell) April 25, 2020
[via Mashable, opening image via Shutterstock]
