Sadly, the interim chancellor and other administrators at the University of Mississippi appear to have more leadership qualities than the state’s governor and many other elected leaders.

Ole Miss unceremoniously removed the state’s controversial flag from the campus, citing the flag’s Confederate symbolism as simply being harmful to the school.

The school’s faculty senate voted last week to remove the flag after the student body voted to do the same.

Not surprisingly, the Ku Klux Klan protested that decision; and two KKK members were arrested on violating federal weapons laws.

Other hardcore conservatives including state Sen. Chris McDaniel, a tea party candidate who nearly ousted long-time Republican U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, and his ally and former campaign manager Sen. Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, took to social media protesting the decision.

At least they’ve got the guts to speak their minds, however, many state leaders including Gov. Phil Bryant simply dodge the issue.

Ole Miss football coach Hugh Freeze, who seems to be a far better leader than Bryant is, simply said that removing the flag “is the right thing for this university, and hopefully our state also will follow suit.”

Well-said, coach, well said.

Gov. Bryant, are you listening?