ERLANGER, Ky - For people living with a homeowners association, certain rules are made to keep grass low and property values high. But what happens when a resident feels their association’s policies are targeting their first amendment rights?

Mike Dickman is currently at odds with the Lakemont Community Association for displaying what they’re calling a “banner” that some residents would like to see removed. In red, white, and blue colors it reads, “Trump 2020” and “Keep America Great.” Its politics are no doubt debated among the community, as they are in communities around the world this very moment. But the basis for the argument seems to center on what the nine-year homeowner’s cloth really is.

It has the dimensions of a flag. Mike says he bought it on Amazon and, in mid-to-late-August, proudly hung it from the roof of his front porch. Through both an email Mike says was sent to him from the association and a statement sent to Spectrum News 1, community managers say they have a clear policy prohibiting the placement of any signs exceeding 2 square feet; dimensions Mike’s display greatly exceeds. But Mike argues his is, in fact, a flag, with the same right to be displayed as the stars and stripes adorning the house fronts of many of his neighbors.

“It’s for everyone who fought for this country to maintain our freedoms, “ Mike said while sitting in his office. “And these five board members think they can dictate to us that you can’t fly a flag supporting the president of this country.”

Mike showed us an email appearing to come from a separate manager apologizing that she did not personally inspect his property after the complaints, and acknowledging that his “banner” was in fact a flag, subject to no existing association policy. While association management would not confirm if Mike’s emails were indeed sent from them, nearly identical language can be found in both, including a statement that the board of directors “has not made a decision on the Trump banner.” If the board does create a policy that prohibits his flag, Mike says he can’t remain quiet.

“If they do implement a policy I can’t just sit by and do nothing,” he said. “Because it’s absolutely wrong.”

Lakemont’s event calendar is only accessible with a resident login, but Mike says the final HOA meeting is scheduled for mid-November. He expects his flag to be at the top of the agenda.