SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois has canceled a state fair appearance by the Southern rock group Confederate Railroad because of its use of the Confederate flag in its logo.
A spokeswoman for Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Emily Bittner, said Tuesday that the administration prohibits using state resources “to promote symbols of racism.”
The group was scheduled to play the DuQuoin State Fair on Aug. 27.
The band’s logo features a steam locomotive flying Confederate flags. The flag has been criticized as a racist emblem of slavery and segregation, but supporters say it represents history.
Frontman Danny Shirley, who is from Hixson, said in a statement that the band is disappointed, but thanked their fans.