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WILKES-BARRE — Several signs attributed to Keystone United, an organization formed in September of 2001 by “a small group of skinheads residing in Harrisburg,” have been removed by Wilkes-Barre City workers.
According to Butch Frati, the city’s director of operations, the signs were taken down because they are in violation of a city policy that precludes the placement of political signs on city thoroughfares.
“I consider those signs to be political in nature,” Frati said.
At least two signs were recently removed from city streets — one sign read “Stand Up — Speak Out” and another read “Diversity=White Genocide.” Both were attributed to Keystone United.
An email sent to Keystone United requesting comment was not returned.
According to the website of Keystone United — also known as Keystone State Skinheads — the organization was formed in September 2001, “with the initial goal of uniting all racially aware skinheads in the state of Pennsylvania.” It lists chapters in Philadelphia, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Altoona and the Wilkes Barre/Scranton area.
From the Keystone United website:
“The list of obstacles we’ve been forced to endure has become a long and tedious one that we don’t see changing anytime soon. It is a list that will continue to grow as our adversaries become increasingly hostile towards our efforts to create a more productive outlet for skinheads and white youth alike.
“Since the formation of the KSS we have undergone many changes, some of them good and some of them bad, but all of these hardships have taught us the importance of discipline, self-sacrifice and determination. These qualities have enabled us to remain focused on our initial goals and grow in a much more progressive direction, away from the outdated elements of the movement.
“We now intend to focus our efforts on raising awareness among today’s youth through an increase in public activism and the creation of various outreach programs. These programs have been designed in an effort to channel the frustration caused by today’s hostile atmosphere and the lack of options offered to our youth.”
City is concerned
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tony George said he is always concerned when signs like those from Keystone United appear in the city.
“Fortunately, the people of Wyoming Valley are a diverse group and don’t get involved with those flyers and signs — they usually throw them away. This has been going on for a long time, dating back to when I was on the city police force.”
City Administrator Ted Wampole said the city will monitor the situation closely, and if more signs appear, they will be immediately removed.
“We will be diligent in looking for more throughout the city,” Wampole said. “If any signs appear on city property, they will be removed.”
Wampole and Frati removed one that was placed at Horton and Blackman streets. Mayor George said signs are not allowed to be placed on utility poles and if any appear, the city will contact the utilities.
“We understand the freedom of speech, but signs are not allowed to infringe on city property or on the rights of city residents,” George said.
Wampole said he became aware of the sign on social media.
“The city will always denounce any form of racism,” Wampole said.
Frati said the city has always removed political signs when placed on city property. He said the signs are taken to the DPW garage on Conyngham Avenue and the responsible parties can pick them up there.
