State Rep. Oscar Denton of Vicksburg, D-District 55, has filed a bill in the Mississippi House of Representatives to change the design of the Mississippi state flag.

The flag, which prominently features the Confederate battle flag used during the Civil War era, has been a point of contention in recent years among many in the state, who find it a bitter reminder of the oppression of the state’s African Americans during slavery and a symbol of racism and hatred.

Other Mississippians see the flag as a symbol of the state’s heritage.

“It’s a big issue with a lot of people,” Denton said Thursday afternoon. I have been getting texts from people all over the state. Our current flag is hurting us and our reputation among others from all over the country and the world.”

Denton said he does not know when or if his bill will be considered. The legislative session is set to end April 24. On April 17, 2001, Mississippians voted by a wide margin to keep the state flag’s design. However, after a white man who shot and killed nine during a Bible study meeting at a predominately African American church in Charleston, S.C., on June 17, 2015, the issue reignited. Roof, who awaits federal trial, was later seen in photos waving the Confederate battle flag.

Two of Mississippi’s major universities — Ole Miss and the University of Southern Miss. — have all stopped flying the state flag.

Many have called for the legislature to take action to remove the flag. Miss. Gov. Phil Bryant wants the issue to go before another vote of the people.