Houston homeowners say HOA won’t let them display Black Lives Matter support

A Houston homeowner says her local homeowners association (HOA) would not let her display support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Homeowners Gloria Bernardino and her husband painted “BLM” across their driveway but were requested by their HOA to pressure-wash the letters off of their property, a request with which they complied, a local ABC affiliate KTRK reported.

The law office representing the HOA of the neighborhood called Hearthstone said in a letter dated Sept. 2 that the Bernardinos had seven days to also remove signs from their yard supporting the movement. 

The office said, “unlawful, noxious or offensive activity shall be conducted or maintained on any lot, nor shall anything be done or permitted to be done thereon that may be a nuisance to the residents of the subdivision.”

“As far as I understand, there is no bylaw against flags or signs, that’s why they’re using a clause saying that my yard is obnoxious,” Bernardino said.

She argued that her home was being singled out, as some neighbors planted signs supporting President Trump, while others displayed flags and symbols for sports teams and colleges.

“If that’s what they feel in their heart that that’s what they want to do and display, they should have the right to do that. Whether it’s Black Lives Matter or Blue Lives Matter as well,” neighbor Elias Davis said.

Sears Bennett & Gerdes, LLP, the law office representing the Hearthstone HOA, issued a statement explaining their response to the homeowners’ driveway paint.

“Hearthstone is a deed-restricted community and any changes to the exterior first require prior written approval from the Association. No approval was sought prior to painting the message ‘BLM’ on his driveway,” they said.

The HOA also said any non-political signs in residents’ yards are not permitted.