Detroit man who displayed Ku Klux Klan flag in his window next to black family's home won't face charges because 'horrible conduct' doesn't violate state law
A Michigan prosecutor declined to file charges on Tuesday against a suburban Detroit man who displayed a Ku Klux Klan flag in his window next to the home of a black family, saying the 'horrible conduct' is not a crime under state law.
An ethnic intimidation charge would require physical contact, property damage or threats of such activity, said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
'I strongly encourage the Michigan Legislature to look, revise and create laws to protect citizens from this kind of horrible conduct,' said Worthy, who is black.
A Michigan prosecutor declined on Tuesday to file charges against the homeowner who displayed this Ku Klux Klan flag across the street from his black neighbor's home
JeDonna Dinges, 57, said displaying a symbol of hate directly across from her home should carry consequences
JeDonna Dinges, 57, of Grosse Pointe Park, said the klan flag was hanging next door in a window directly across from her dining room. The incident occurred two weeks ago.
The flag was removed after police with large cloths visited the home and made a switch, City Manager Nick Sizeland told the Detroit Free Press last week.
The man's girlfriend claimed they could not afford a curtain and used the klan flag instead, Sizeland said.
'There is absolutely no question that what happened to Ms. Dinges was despicable, traumatizing and completely unacceptable,' Worthy said. 'But, very unfortunately in my view, not a crime. The KKK flag, while intending to be visible to Ms. Dinges, was hanging inside of her neighbor's house.'
Dinges, who owns a women's clothing store in Ferndale, said she understood Worthy's position.
'I hope the lawmakers are listening. ... The average person would not own a klan flag, which is a true symbol of hatred,' Dinges said.
Dinges, who is a business owner, said that prior to the flag incident, she found a full can of gasoline in her recycling bin
Dozens of people turned out for a February 21 march and rally to support Dinges.
'There are no words to truly express what happens when you see 800 people walking on YOUR street to support you and your family,' she wrote in a status update after the event. 'Some were family, some were friends and some were neighbors. My heart is full!'
Before the flag incident, Dinges said she was concerned about her safety after finding a full gas can inside her outdoor recycling bin.
Dinges put up a security camera facing her neighbor's house, and a short time later the KKK flag went up in his window.
'It is freedom of speech but freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences,' she told Fox 2 Detroit of the hateful display.
Dozens of people turned out for a February 21 march and rally to support Dinges
By the time police visited the neighbor's house to talk about the flag, it had been taken down.
The homeowner's girlfriend reportedly told the cops that she was upset about Dinges' security camera, but said she did not raise concerns with her neighbor because she and her boyfriend are 'non-confrontational people,' reported Detroit Free Press.
The City of Grosse Pointe Park issued a statement on February 17, condemning the racist display.
'We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of this community and we take every matter brought before our department seriously,' the statement read. 'Intolerance, hate, and ignorance have no home in the Park. Threats, either real or perceived, will not be tolerated.'
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