DURHAM, N.C. — Ten-year-old Liam Holmes is causing quite a stir after he chose to make a statement against racial discrimination at his local city council meeting this past Monday night.
The Durham City Council invited Cub Scout Pack 451 to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and the event became one the leading stories on the local news, prompting CBS13 to ask, “Is it taking a stand or disrespecting the flag?”
It’s a question that Liam has no problem answering.
“What I did was took a knee against racial discrimination, which is basically when people are mean to other people of different colors,” he said.
Speaking to CBS13, Liam dad, Scott Holmes, said that he talked to his son beforehand about whether not he wanted to make the move, but wasn’t sure if he’d follow through. When Liam ended up taking a knee, Holmes said he was “really surprised and also really proud” of his son.
The mayor of the town saw Liam’s actions and fully supported him.
“Thank you, councilman, and thank you, scouts,” Mayor Steve Schewel said after the Pledge was over. “To the scout that expressed his conscience by kneeling, we will say we endorse and appreciate all expressions of conscience in Durham City Council.”
Naturally, where were people who didn’t appreciate the display, but Liam isn’t losing any sleep over it.
“Well, those people just don’t listen,” Liam said.
Watch CBS 13’s report on the story here.
Featured image via screen grab/CBS13
