Construction sign displays vulgar racial slur in Alpine, investigation launched

ALPINE, Utah (ABC4) — A construction sign located next to an LDS church in Alpine displayed a vulgar racial slur Friday night. An investigation has been launched into the incident, according to the city.

“We received a call last night regarding an incident with a construction message board in Alpine,” said Alpine City Mayor Carla Merrill. “Lone Peak Police were notified, and the message was immediately disabled. The matter is under active investigation.”

One resident was reportedly driving home from work in the area when she saw the sign.

“My heart broke instantly,” she wrote on social media. “My boys were in the car. They read it too. The shock, the confusion, the hurt — I couldn’t believe this was happening right here in our ‘new hometown.'”

“This is not a joke,” she continued. “This is hate. It’s racism — and it’s a painful reminder that it still exists, even in places we think are ‘safe.’ No child should have to see that. No parent should have to explain that kind of hate.”

The resident posted a Facebook reel of the sign, which displays the vulgar slur.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to contact the non-emergency dispatch line for Lone Peak Police at 801-756-9800. 

“Neither the city nor our contractor condone this type of message,” Mayor Merrill said.