SAILOR CAN KEEP HIS CBF TATTOO, THANKS TO SLRC ADVICE

A sailor who had been told to remove a Confederate flag tattoo or resign from the U.S. Navy won’t have to make that choice due to information and advice he received from the SLRC.

Machinist’s Mate First Class Walter Blackburn, who is stationed at Newport News, Virginia, contacted the SLRC in early August seeking advice as to how to save his eight-year Navy career without abandoning his Confederate heritage. Blackburn said he has a tattoo on one arm showing crossed Confederate and Irish flags and was told by his superior that he would have to have the Battle Flag portion of the tattoo eradicated or “no longer remain in the Navy.” He applied for a waiver that would have allowed him to keep the tattoo, but the waiver was denied.

The SLRC advised Blackburn to request a naval mast hearing so that he could present the cultural and First Amendment issues raised by his case and Blackburn decided to do so, even if it meant jeopardizing his naval career. However, when he returned from two weeks’ leave on Monday, he was informed that his case had been reconsidered and he could keep his tattoo. In an e-mail to the SLRC, he said: "Thank you so much for your support and assistance. I just returned from leave and was informed that my case was reconsidered and I am no longer required to remove the flag. Score one for the little guy. Thank you again for everything."

“We love happy endings,” said SLRC Chief Trial Counsel Kirk D. Lyons.

SLRC eUpdate