'Yard Art' Creator May Be in Violation of Civil Fair Housing Laws

Chicago - The offensive words on Michael Corrigan's garage are now covered up with a blue tarp, and there's no longer a noose hanging from the corner of his garage in the Beverly neighborhood.

But on Tuesday the words, "Said no to the ghetto, White Power, Mt. Greenwood, the next Englewood," were boldly displayed in block letters, facing the house next door that is for sale.

Our exclusive story Tuesday got people talking on Facebook and the radio, and prompted a mini-protest Wednesday morning.

“I’m telling you this is what I was, was ready to go to jail today and take that noose down,” said community activist Queen Sister, with It Takes a Village.

Wednesday when Corrigan was confronted about his display, he defended it as “yard art.”

Twenty four hours later, when FOX Chicago News knocked on Corrigan's door to ask him why he decided to get rid of it, we got no answer.

Now he may have to answer to the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.

Investigators went to Corrigan’s house Wednesday, and are looking into whether his racist message may have intimidated African Americans from buying the home next door, in violation of civil fair housing laws.

“We deplore this sick attempt to reach back into the scare tactics of the past to keep families from exercising their rights to fair housing,” said Commissioner Dana Starks in a written statement.

Chicago Police said the words, while offensive, were not criminal.

“Under the first amendment it’s an expression, our concern is if it starts to, from a public safety issue, if it brings out elements of extremism,” said Cdr. Michael Kuemmeth with the 22nd District.

The sun may have set on this particular incident, but one protester said the underlying problem of the racism behind it can't be wiped away so easily.

“We can't legislate his heart. He has a cold dark heart, and anyone who goes along with it is ungodly and abominable. But the fact that it’s covered up, I can go home,” said Gilda Walker.