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DES MOINES, Iowa - An Iowa man is defending his decision to display a large swastika sign in his front yard - right across the street from an elementary school.
It’s happening right by the playground at Morris Elementary School on the south side of Des Moines. William Stark says 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.
On Wednesday morning graffiti calling Stark "Nazi Scum" had been sprayed on the pallet signs in the yard and a trailer on the property.
A Facebook post about the swastika sign has generated hundreds of comments, mostly negative.
Stark told WHO 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. The district also said the individuals displaying the signs have had numerous conflicts with Morris Elementary School and the district in the past and police are involved in the situation. The statement reads:
The City of Des Moines released a statement regarding the display. It reads:
Stark was convicted of second-degree theft in September for trying to pass a fake check for $2,300 at a metro store. He was given a five-year suspended prison sentence. Court records show he has a history of substance abuse and mental health issues.