Durham man asked to remove Black Lives Matter window sign, sidewalk chalk

However, his HOA says he's simply being cited for breaking rules.

Sean Mournighan said he was cited for having sidewalk chalk in front of his home, but his other neighbors weren't. He believes his sidewalk chalk art was targeted by the HOA because of the Black Lives Matter sign.

"On Sunday we had planted some new daffodils, and we had drawn on the full side walk in front of the house with a fox and lion," said Mournighan.

On Monday, his family received a letter asking them to clean up the sidewalk chalk art his family had drawn, saying neighbors had complained.

The email from Thaxton’s Homeowner’s Association said that anyone who draws on the sidewalks needs to wash the art off when they are done.

Mournighan says this isn’t the first time. Last summer he received a citation for having a Black Lives Matter sign posted his front window, which the HOA said was in violation of a signage ordinance which prohibits anything that advertises “businesses, religion, politics and human rights."

So he put out a flag instead-which is within code.

Mournighan said he believes putting up the Black Lives Matter flag to replace the sign caused him to become a target.

"I think I rubbed them the wrong way, with my push back and my work-around. They were looking for something to let me know I’m not welcomed," he said.

Neighbors who spoke with WRAL called the issue petty, pointing out that other people put up signs in their windows for holidays or to celebrate the birth of a baby, and do not get in trouble.

However, secular holidays and birth celebrations are not related to "businesses, religion, politics or human rights," which the HOA specifically prohibits.

WRAL has reached out to the HOA to get their side, but they have not responded.