"I think there's no question there's racism ideology associated with that flag," said Chambliss.

Chambliss said the action was to support an art project aimed at changing what the flag has come to represent post-Civil War: hatred and oppression of black people and other minorities.

Orlando police watched from a distance as the issue sparked debate between those who support the effort and some protesters.

Some said they felt the action was like trying to erase history, which Chambliss contends, as a history professor, is something he would never do.

Others, with ancestors who fought in the Confederacy, felt it was disrespectful to burn the flag, especially holding the event on Memorial Day.

"Regardless what hand they had in the Civil War, they still died," said Dean Eason.

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That is an argument Chambliss does not agree with.

"When that flag flies, what does it really mean? That's what you need to ask yourself and at the end of the day. It has more to do with repression than it does heritage," said Chambliss.

The same type of ceremony was held in 13 different states at the same time Monday.