A Des Moines man is defending his decision to display a large swastika sign in his front yard, directly across the street from an elementary school.
William Stark lives right next door to the playground at Morris Elementary School on the south side of Des Moines. Stark tells WHO-TV Channel 13 his sign is "pallet art."
Along with the swastika sign, he is also displaying numerous confederate flags, a "Back the Blue" flag supporting police officers and an American flag with just 11 stripes and 32 stars.
Channel 13 spoke with Stark on Tuesday about the sign. He claims that it is not a racist sign but a historic one. He calls it a "World War II flag" and says anyone offended by it doesn't understand history.
Des Moines Public Schools released a statement condemning the display.
"We should all be sickened that someone would promote the hatred espoused by Confederates and Nazis within sight of the front doors of an elementary school. At Morris Elementary School, where more than 60% of the students educated are children of color, students see these symbols of hate when they arrive and leave school, or are simply on the playground. The individuals in the home displaying these symbols have had numerous conflicts with Morris Elementary School and the school district. We have recently notified them that DMPS has worked with the Des Moines Police Department to have a criminal trespass advisory issued against them. The police will be notified if they are on school property."
The City of Des Moines released a statement regarding the display.
"While the City may find these signs inappropriate and repugnant, particularly when displayed near an elementary school attended by students of diverse backgrounds, it must be noted that these residents have First Amendment rights protecting their freedom of speech, especially in and around their homes. As ruled by the U.S. Supreme Court, 'such speech cannot be restricted simply because it is upsetting or arouses contempt.'"
(Photo: WHO-TV 13)