Westbury flags removed after complaints; town cites zero-tolerance policy for hate symbols
Westbury resident says he posted flags, but neighbors and town officials view them as hateful.
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Neighbors on Foster Lane in Westbury woke up Wednesday to find multiple flags attached to lamp posts along their street.
The flags featured a red cross on a black background and displayed the phrase “Deus Vult.”
Chris Esquierdo, who lives in the neighborhood, said he was disturbed by the display.
“I saw it was anti-Islam and it's distasteful. This is a family neighborhood and there's over 30 children just on this block.”
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, “Deus Vult” means “God Wills.” The phrase dates back to the Crusades, and the organization says it has been used by the extremist right as a cry against Islam.
Bali Lerner, executive director of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, said historical symbols can be used to target groups.
“I think today a lot of historical flags and imagery are used to bring hatred against groups. I think we see that here quite often.”
“It can be viewed as that way sure...but there's no vulgarity in there," is what Stephen Cardoza told News 12.
He says he was the one who put up the flags.
“I'm sorry if anyone is offended. It's my block and I wanted to put it up,” he said.
Cardoza said he wanted to make a statement but did not elaborate further.
A spokesperson for the Town of Hempstead said the town has “a zero-tolerance policy for any acts of hate. Upon notification of the existence of these symbols of hate on Town light poles, the Town immediately contacted the Nassau County Police Department.”
Town officials said the flags have since been removed. Nassau County police told News 12 the investigation remains ongoing.
Esquierdo said he believes speaking out against the display is important.
“I told my children it is principal. You stand up for what you believe in,” he said.
“I guess you can be offended by anything you want these days," Cardoza said.
