A man in the Dallas suburb of Corinth, Texas, was ordered to remove his pro-police flag by his property owner’s association, Fox News reports.
Three weeks ago, Rodney Ivester hung the black, white and blue striped U.S. flag to show solidarity for local law enforcement.
“I love my country and I wanted to show my support for law enforcement and military personnel,” Ivester told Fox News’s Todd Starnes. “I put the flag up so that I can honor the fallen officers and support those that are in the heat of the battle.”
Ivester was confused when he received a letter from Oakmont Country Club Estates’ property owner’s association claiming his flag had “violated a covenant.”
“No noxious or offensive activity shall be undertaken on the property, and nothing shall be done which is or may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood,” the letter stated. “Please remove the altered American flag from your property and store out of public view.”
Iverster contacted the property owner’s association for the copy of the rule he had apparently violated, but no discernible answer was given. “They said another resident complained and they said if one person complains they have to take action,” Ivester explained.
“They stepped on my rights as a U.S. citizen and patriot,” says Ivester. “This is an attempt to suppress my First Amendment rights while simultaneously disrespecting America and the police.”
Ivester is still proudly flying his pro-police flag, despite the request for removal from the property owner’s association. Although his defiance could result in fines of up to $100 per day, Ivester wants to send a message to all law enforcement: he has their back.