The
Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Georgia's Department of Transportation yesterday
denied the application of the
International Keystone Knights of the Ku Klux Klan to participate in the Department’s
Adopt A Highway program. (
Full text of DOT statement.) As reported Monday by the
Atlanta Journal Constitution, the KKK wanted to adopt a one-mile stretch of highway in the Appalachian Mountains near the North Carolina border. Under the program a group agrees to pick up litter from the road at least 4 times per year, and is recognized by a sign placed near the area for which the group is responsible. Opponents say the Klan is trying to use the state program to rebrand its image. In its statement on the refusal of the application, the DOT said:
Maintaining the safety of our roadways is this Department’s foremost mission. Encountering signage and members of the KKK along a roadway would create a definite distraction to motorists. Also, the section of roadway requested is ineligible for adoption due to its posted speed limit exceeding the program maximum of 55 mph.
Further, promoting an organization with a history of inciting civil disturbance and social unrest would present a grave concern to the Department.
