Migrant Sign Warrants Statement From Village Of Northbrook

Editor's Note:: A previous version of this story included a misleading headline. Patch regrets the error.

NORTHBROOK, IL — A new sign, located in a known free speech zone, has sparked some debate among residents, while also warranting a statement from the Northbrook Village Board. The sign, which stands at Triangle Park (corner of Shermer Road and Walters Avenue), reads, "Northbrook stands with migrants," and includes an inverted blue triangle, long associated with Nazi concentration camp badges.

As reported by WGN 9, the sign was created by resident Lee Goodman, who was also behind the controversial "COVID Death Scoreboard" in 2020 at the same location. That sign tracked the total number of coronavirus deaths in the United States. The sign was vandalized several times, and a number of protests were held at and near the sign.

"The blue triangle was worn by migrants in Nazi concentration camps in World War II and now that our president is sending people to a concentration camp in El Salvador, migrant groups have decided to adopt the blue triangle as a symbol of strength and resistance," Goodman told WGN regarding the new sign.

RELATED: Coronavirus Death Scoreboard Vandalized In Northbrook

The Village of Northbrook released the following statement regarding the presence of the sign:

The Village President and Board of Trustees are aware of questions and concerns regarding a privately installed sign currently on display at the northwest corner of Shermer Road and Walters Avenue, a Village public forum area. For a half a century, the site has been a designated First Amendment Free Speech public forum for private individuals to display messages. There is a prominent sign on the public forum site clearly stating that the private display is not endorsed by the Village of Northbrook, and that no public funds have been used in connection with the display. All displays on the public forum are installed by private individuals or organizations at their own expense. The Village is permitted by law to restrict size and duration of displays, which it does. Northbrook is home to people of many backgrounds and communities of faith. As neighbors, we promote peaceful dialogue, dignity, and respect, and we reject hate and discrimination in all forms. We stand together as one community.

The Village Board also invited residents to attend last Tuesday's Northbrook Village Board meeting to comment on the sign.

Groups like the Chicago Jewish Alliance are asking the Village to take the sign down, stating the triangle was designed by the Nazis "to dehumanize those who fled for their lives."