Man forbidden from flying U.S. flag on his balcony because it could 'offend foreign people'


Brad Smith, a student at San Diego State University and a tenant of Boulevard 63 Apartments, said apartment complex managers told him to remove the American flag he was displaying on his apartment's balcony because it "could offend foreign people."
Smith said that when he asked management about the notice he received ordering him to remove the flag, they reportedly told him "it was for political reasons and that the flag could offend foreign people that live here, foreign exchange students."
ABC News' investigation revealed that the rules of Smith's lease prohibit signs or other personal property from being kept outside the premises, and that management determines what is "permissible and acceptable."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
But Smith asserts this is not the explanation he was given.
"This was never brought to my attention," Smith said. "I've had friends and family fight to defend that flag."
The apartment complex called the incident a "misunderstanding," and has since amended its rules to permit the display of state and country flags.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - April 20, 2025
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - Pam Bondi, retirement planning, and more
By The Week US
-
5 heavy-handed cartoons about ICE and deportation
Cartoons Artists take on international students, the Supreme Court, and more
By The Week US
-
Exploring the three great gardens of Japan
The Week Recommends Beautiful gardens are 'the stuff of Japanese landscape legends'
By The Week UK
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans