BG Falcon Media acknowledges the editorial nature of the cover and firmly condemns hate speech. In our commitment to responsible journalism, we have chosen to include certain graphics that may be distressing to some readers to provide context. Additionally, we have censored contact information to prevent further propaganda.
Ku Klux Klan propaganda and racist flyers have been found around Bowling Green this week, one of the many cities along I-75 being targeted.
With imagery using Uncle Sam and KKK logos, the flyers largely target immigrant and Black communities- ranging from posters urging “self-deportation to avoid detention” and relating Black History to drug dealing.
The posters are assumed to be distributed from Kentucky and have been spotted in other areas including Dayton, Perrysburg, Findlay, Troy, Cincinnati and Kentucky according to local news stations (WTVG, WHIO, etc).
Since Sunday, the signage has been found in neighborhoods, near apartment complexes and littered on the ground.
This follows a surge in racist propaganda led by white supremacist groups across the country. A recent CNN article reported on a white supremacist demonstration in a historically black community outside of Cincinnati, a demonstration that followed a neo-Nazi march in the area a few months prior.
In response to the flyers, Arianna Dortch, the president of the Black Student Union, said BSU has a no-tolerance policy for blatant racism or ignorance and feels there has been an increase of both of those things, following the recent change in administration.
“We do not tolerate any sort of ignorance or and racism in our community…I feel like with our government …. it is making people feel like there’s a safe space to be completely ignorant and disregard an entire community of people because that’s what the government seems to be doing,” Dortch said.
In an official statement released by the BSU, the organization expressed the importance of standing together as a community, for support and strength.
“Hate has no place in our community, and we refuse to let fear dictate our presence,” the post read. “We exist to uplift, protect, and empower one another in the face of racism and discrimination. If you are feeling unsafe, angry, or overwhelmed, know that you are not alone.”
Bowling Green’s Mayor Mike Aspacher, expressed his deep disgust and disdain for the hateful messaging being spread around Bowling Green- declaring that it was not welcome here.
“On behalf of myself, the entire City Administration, and City Council, I want to emphatically reject the hate and divisiveness projected in these flyers. Furthermore, I want to say in the strongest possible terms that this type of hateful garbage is deplorable and reprehensible and is not welcome here in Bowling Green,” Aspacher said. “We must make it perfectly clear to those responsible for spreading these disgraceful flyers that this filth does not represent the values of the Bowling Green community, our residents or our business community and will not be tolerated in the City of Bowling Green and should also be rejected by our society as a whole.”
The flyers themselves had call to actions, asking people who were interested to contact them, get involved and donate.
The phone number for the White Knights Ohio Realm on the flyers led to a recorded line that promised security for the existence of “their people” and the future of white children.
BG Falcon Media called the number, and the recorded voicemail was as follows:
“Hello, and Happy New Year from the Trinity White Knight Ku Klux Klan Realm of Ohio. In January the world’s gonna change for a lot of people, especially the immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. But nothing’s gonna change for the Ku Klux Klan and the Trinity White Knights. We will always secure the existence of our people, and the future for white children…Have a blessed day, Happy New Year and a great white night.”
BGSU Police Chief Mike Campbell said he has no reports of the flyers being found on campus, but urges students to stay vigilant and aware to stay safe.
Dortch encouraged students to reach out for counseling services if they need it, and to rely on BGSU’s resources through the “darkness”, acknowledging the toll that it takes on students.
“It can take a toll on your mental health and it can take a toll on your experience(s), your college experience, so I wanna make sure people are taking (time) to make sure they’re okay,” she said.
Dortch also emphasized the importance of staying safe during this time, especially in a climate where everything feels unknown.
“I don’t want to instill fear in anyone, but just really take precaution,” Dortch said.
The Human Relations Commission for the City of Bowling Green will be meeting on Friday, Feb. 28 to vote on a statement addressing the dissemination of flyers around town.
