KKK wants to adopt a Georgia highway

This 2000 file photo shows an "ADOPT-A-HWY" road sign sponsored by the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, along Interstate 55 South in St. Louis, Mo. A Klan group in Georgia has filed an application to join that state's highway beautification program. / AP Photo

(CBS/AP) BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. - A Ku Klux Klan group wants to join Georgia's "Adopt-A-Highway" program for litter removal, which could force state officials to make difficult decisions on the application.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that state officials could be forced to choose between approving the request, denying it and facing a likely legal fight, or ending the state's 23-year-old Adopt-A-Highway program.

The program features road signs for groups who volunteer to help beautify state highways.

At issue is an application filed by International Keystone Knights of the Ku Klux Klan Union County involving a one-mile stretch of Ga. 515 in the Appalachian Mountains.

According to the Georgia DOT website, "any civic-minded organization, business, individual, family, city, county, state, or federal agency" may volunteer to participate in the program.

During fiscal year 2011, 173 active organizations (primarily civic groups and businesses) participated in the program, covering 200 miles of Georgia roads.

The state's Department of Transportation is reviewing the request. State officials plan to meet with lawyers from the state Attorney General's Office on Monday to decide how to proceed.

[2GBTGLORY]

The KKK is a group that promotes hate and should Blairsville (Fanin County) allow this stretch of road to be re-named "KKK" . . . what message will they be sending to ANY person of color? Blairsville will be sending out a message that people of color is not welcome there and it would make it uncomfortable for any person of color to travel this stretch of the highway and feel comfortable.

[Molly-Pchr]

If it goes to court, I wonder if the ACLU will represent them.

[CHICO_KK]

The ACLU?

They're the most anti-white, racist group in America. Damn, they're as bad as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackleg.

[Jon_MD]

I'm gay (just saying so people don't tag me as a racist or something else.)and I say let them do it. If they want to contribute to the beautification of the country, let em. As long as they don't use it as a tool to post or promote their cause. Yes, they will get a couple signs that say it's the KKK cleaning this stretch, but thats it.

[formerlyluvnut]

Once, AGAIN, the south proves it is an embarrassment to the rest of the country.

[fitstshu]

ammo- If George Wallace was running for office now, you would be right behind him.Frankly I think is pretty dam funny!