(ATLANTA - August 3, 2015) On Sunday, CBS 46 in Atlanta featured a story on their television newscast, on their website, and on their Facebook and social media pages about a supposed resurgence of the KKK in Paulding County. Prominently featured with the story, however, was the legally registered logo of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, an organization which is in no way affiliated with the Klan. The Sons of Confederate Veterans was founded in 1896 by actual sons of the Confederate veterans and was charged by the veterans, themselves, with providing the true history of the South to future generations. The SCV is an historical preservation and geneological association and is open to members of all races who have Confederate ancestors, including black Americans of whom the organization has members.
Before the end of the day on Sunday, state officials of the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) had already contacted CBS 46 and ordered an immediate removal of the organization's logo, as well as an online and on-air apology by station management. Screen shots of the content were captured by members of the SCV and sent to state and national headquarters. Even if a retraction is made by the station, SCV leaders in Georgia have indicated that they will likely pursue legal action against the station for what is viewed as a blatant and intentional error on the part of CBS 46 and its staff to associate the SCV with the KKK.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans vehemently affirm today that 1) there is no connection between the SCV and the KKK, 2) the SCV condemns the use of the Confederate battle flag and all Confederate symbols by any hate group whatsoever, and 3) the SCV intends to aggressively pursue legal action against any and all individuals, businesses, and governments which violate the laws regarding the protection of Confederate symbols, flags, and monuments and the good name of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
