WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP. (WWJ) -- Some members of an Oakland County community are upset over the location of a particular Adopt-A-Road sign.
The sign that includes the group name "Voices for Palestinians" was recently erected at Maple Road and Walnut Street in West Bloomfield. WWJ's Charlie Langton reports that this is a heavily Jewish area, about two miles from Temple Israel, which was targeted in a violent attack earlier this year.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter called the sign's location an "act of provocation," and urged the Road Commission for Oakland County to remove it.
Road Commission for Oakland County spokesman Craig Bryson told WWJ Newsradio 950 that they took the sign down Sunday morning.
It's not yet clear if the removal is permanent, as Bryson said they are "reviewing the situation."
Under the Adopt-A-Road program local groups, families, or businesses can "adopt" a specific stretch of road — usually one to two miles long — and agree to pick up trash along that section a couple of times each year.
In Oakland County, the road commission manages the program, puts up the signs and would typically be the entity to decide what's appropriate.
"Whether the sign represents hate speech or free speech could be challenged," Langton said.
In a message posted to social media, West Bloomfield Township said this is a "highly sensitive location," and that placement of the sign has generated "significant concern and emotional reactions" in the community.
The message continues:
"West Bloomfield is home to one of Michigan's largest and most vibrant Jewish communities. These concerns are understandably heightened given the ongoing anxiety many residents continue to feel. Our nation and community are built upon fundamental constitutional protections, including freedom of speech and expression, but also common sense. Should the Adopt-A-Road program be politicized? Should such a statement be placed in that location? Respecting rights and respecting community involves understanding and sensitivity toward our neighbors, and is a responsibility shared by all of us.
"Words have meaning, and in many instances, words are violence. I encourage residents to express their views peacefully and respectfully while remaining mindful of the impact words and actions can have on others.
"Regardless of one's views on the underlying issues, this moment serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, empathy, and community engagement. West Bloomfield remains committed to the safety of all residents and to maintaining a community where people of every faith, background, and perspective are treated with dignity and respect."
Among those arguing against removal of the sign is the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization.
In a statement, CAIR-MI said it rejects Coulter's "biased request to review “Voices of Palestine" Adopt-A-Road signs, which CAIR-MI said Counter "falsely linked violent extremism."
"We call on the Road Commission to reject Oakland County Executive David Coulter’s biased attempt to silence voices in support of Palestinian humanity," said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid.
"Palestinians have been subjected to ethnic cleansing and genocide - with the complicity of our nation and the international community - because they have been dehumanized and denied their human rights for decades.”
Walid further asserted that there are many members of the Jewish community in Michigan and nationwide who advocate for Palestinian rights.
Back in March, a man rammed his truck through the front doors of Temple Israel while the synagogue's early childhood center was in session. A lot of damage was done to the building, and a security guard was injured, but no children or teachers were hurt.
