Local
Ku Klux Klan-themed flyers found near schools across central Ohio
Racist flyers and business cards were found Tuesday in Clintonville, Upper Arlington and Worthington, including near schools. Residents and local officials condemned the materials, while neighbors quickly removed them from the streets.
Racist flyers bearing Ku Klux Klan imagery were found on streets in several central Ohio communities Tuesday, including near schools in Columbus and Worthington, prompting condemnation from residents and local leaders.
Clintonville resident Simon Buehrer spotted papers and business cards near World Language Middle School while biking early Tuesday. After recognizing the Klan imagery and messaging, he began gathering the materials so students and families would not encounter them on their way to school.
“I’m not letting kids come to school, parents come to school, and see these things,” Buehrer said. He called the flyers unacceptable and said neighbors helped collect them from nearby streets.
Columbus City Schools said flyers were also found near an elementary school in the neighborhood. One included the line, “No need for Flock when were on the block.” The material was also reported on other area streets, where residents joined the cleanup.
Flyers were found on a few streets in Upper Arlington, according to a city spokesperson. Worthington Schools’ superintendent and board said materials were found in that community, including near schools. Their statement said the district welcomes everyone and condemned people who spread hate.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said the materials violated the city’s values and expressed anger and sadness that children, families and residents had been exposed to them. City Council President Shannon Hardin also issued a statement condemning the incident.
Residents described a swift response from neighbors. One Clintonville resident, identified as Lesley, said people removed the flyers quickly and called the neighborhood welcoming. Buehrer said seeing neighbors act together to remove the materials and check on one another reinforced his view of the community.
Officials did not identify who distributed the flyers or provide details about an investigation.