Boca Raton (WPTV) — Some neighbors in a western Boca Raton neighborhood who have to see a Ku Klux Klan symbol raised each day are raising their voices in protest. One resident has chosen to fly a KKK flag in his front yard, as well as display ‘Members Wanted’ sign and a noose.
“They never said anything to my face and they’re entitled to their own free speech as well as I am,” said the man, who identified himself as Mr. K. Hayes.
His flag – and its symbolism – have some neighbors outraged and offended.
“It’s reminding me of back in the old days,” said Margaret Martin, who recently moved in across the street on Sandalfoot Boulevard. “I didn’t think that was still going on anymore. This is 2014.”
On his business card, Hayes refers to himself as a recruiter for the Knights Party of the Ku Klux Klan. Some neighbors say Hayes has tried to influence local children with conversations, literature and his displays.
“Don’t sit there and try to put it off on other people, especially the entire neighborhood like you’re doing,” said Daniel Randy, who lives nearby.
Other residents have made efforts to have the flag removed.
“I called code enforcement and they said it’s perfectly legal to put up any kind of flag you want,” said Nick Scalice, President of a nearby homeowners association that does not include Hayes’ home.
Hayes says he has no intentions of removing the flag. He plans to raise it each morning and lower the flag at dusk. “Absolutely,” he said. “It’s my patriotic duty.”
