Chicago sticker nixed over gang perception

CHICAGO, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Chicago officials said they have yanked a 15-year-old's design for a city parking sticker due to the "perception" it may incorporate gang signs.

Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza said Wednesday she was replacing the design for the sticker, which is scheduled to be released in the coming days, after some critics raised concerns the outstretched hands included in the picture could represent a gang sign, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

"For me, as the clerk, it's not an issue of the individual at all, frankly," Mendoza said. "It's an issue of the perception that's now out in the city of Chicago and, frankly, nationally, that we have a city sticker that some experts believe may provide symbolism related to gangs."

Herbie Pulgar, the Lawrence Hall Youth Services student who designed the sticker, and his mother denied the sticker contained symbolism associated with the street gang the Manic Latin Disciples.

"Now other gang members think that I'm a gang member and my life is in jeopardy," the teenager said.

His mother called the allegations "mean and cruel" and described critics of the design as "haters."