A new billboard in Summit Township is getting attention for displaying messages that some in the community are calling divisive.
The billboard was put up in the last week at the intersection of Route 422 and Bonniebrook Road.
One message says that the “FBI is corrupt and dangerous. The Gestapo” with a picture of a swastika. Another display says “Stop teaching critical racist theory to our kids.”
Some parents in the area say the messages are offensive, but the owner of the billboard, John Placek defended his actions to our news partners at WPXI.
“I like free dialogue. Anybody can come and see me and give me their views, and I will respect their views. All I want them to do is respect my views,” Placek said.
Summit Township officials say Placek isn’t breaking any laws and meets all zoning requirements.
Placek also owns similar billboards also on Route 422 in Worthington.
Meanwhile a group gathered at the YWCA last night to discuss the billboard’s impact in the community. Around 20 people gathered inside the building, with another 20 or so joining via Zoom. The meeting focused on ways to address incidents of hate speech in the community, along with creating a more inclusive and welcoming community.
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