The Heronwood Commons Homeowners Association has issued a $200 fine and a cease and desist letter to resident Amara Diallo, 34, over her display of a Canadian flag on her front porch. Diallo, who was born in Montreal and holds dual citizenship, said she has flown the flag for three years without incident. The complaint, filed by an unnamed neighbor in August, describes the flag as “a foreign symbol with political implications.” Association President Randall Bauer said the board reviewed the complaint and determined the flag fell under a covenant clause prohibiting “divisive or political signage.” In correspondence with Diallo, Bauer elaborated that the maple leaf “could be interpreted as a statement” and that the HOA preferred residents “keep things neutral.” Diallo asked what neutral looked like. Bauer sent her a photo of an American flag. Diallo has appealed. The appeal will be heard at the November meeting, which conflicts with a date Bauer already knew about and scheduled the meeting around anyway.
