Caddo Commission Votes To Build A Box To Block Confederate Monument

The Caddo Commission voted 11-1 to build a giant box around the Confederate Monument in front of the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Every member of the Commission voted "yes" on the measure, except for Commissioner Todd Hopkins.

In the order, it says the box must be constructed by midnight on Friday, July 17th.

The motion was brought by Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts, and was presented as a way to help ease racial tensions in the city of Shreveport, as well as the Pairsh. Over the last few weeks, there have been escalating protests around the monument.

Additionally, the measure says that an American flag, and Louisiana state flag, must be hung from the box.

Earlier this year,

the United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a decision from the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, dismissing all claims of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in regards to the confederate monument at the Caddo Parish Courthouse.

The court ruled "with prejudice" against the United Daughters.

Recently, a last ditch effort in the case was brought before Caddo District Judge Craig Marcotte. Some were anticipating a ruling weeks ago, but no ruling has come down on that front. There are some legal experts who say the ruling could take up to 90 days.

But the Caddo Commission will not be waiting that long. With today's decision, they won't be removing the monument permanently. But as the old saying goes, out of sight, out of mind.