Now for those who did not get the memo, the Rebel referred to in the nickname "Ole Miss Rebels" refers to what is still called by many, 'The War Between the States or for some old schoolers- The War of Northern Aggression.  Dixie is still often song boisterously with a the phrase: "The South will rise again" appended to the conclusion.  So it's not outside the realm of understanding why the Klan might have warm feelings towards some of the university in Oxford Mississippi's quaint traditions.

The Mississippi White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan rallied prior to the LSU-Ole Miss football game to protest Chancellor Dan Jones' decision to bar the school band from playing "From Dixie with Love," a medley that some fans finish by shouting, "The South shall rise again."

The band had played the song during Ole Miss football games since the 1980's.  In a press release announcing the rally, the Klan said Jones' decision was an "attack on our Southern heritage and culture." "Forward Rebels" is the school's official fight song, and it has been for over 5 decades, there are no changes proposed to it.

The protest consisted of apparently 12 members of The Mississippi White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan demonstrated and had expected to be on campus until 11 am; however reports indicated the event was over closer to 10:10 or 10:15 with some allegations the law enforcement  had hustled them off campus for their own safety.  250-275 counter protesters were at times said to be fairly close to the Klan members.

I have had the honor of wearing the uniform and working with the brave men and women who place themselves in harm's way to protect the rights of all Americans.  While I loathe the things the Klan believes, I swore would die, if needed, to protect their constitutional rights, it does not sit well with me if their free speech rights or rights to assemble were infringed.  When these types of situations cease to occur then truly the South will have risen.