Display of letters/flags on outside of house...
 

We recently signed a lease for a house on Long Island and weren't sure of the legal issues involved in displaying our fraternity flag on the outside of the house. Our flag does not have letters on it, just our symbol. Anyone know the laws in NY? Can we hang our flag?:confused:

why would it be illegal to hang a flag?

Some local ordinances or HOA rules ban any decorative flags. Which I would think would be anything other than state/country flag. You should check with your landlord and/or local authorities if there are any restrictions.

Hofstra?

No, we actually go to NYIT and got the house in Westbury, NY. We just moved in about a week ago and thought about putting our fraternity flag outside but didn't want to get in trouble with the town or anything.

Check your town ordinances. At the ISU campus/Bloomington-Normal, there's some law limiting placing letters on the house, to the effect of no new Greek letter houses are allowed, but old ones can be bought by different organizations.

edit: I checked the Westbury, NY village site. I see nothing in there that limits you, but check with your landlord/neighborhood organization.

As suggested several times, the best information source for you is direct and local.
Contact your Town/Village/City Hall and ask them.
Would also be wise to contact County Government as well.
And, of course, check your lease agreement.

my chapter has a house in westbury and despite the rumors that no letters are allowed on houses on long island, that's not true, its upto the owner of the house. I would say its not a good idea because it WILL attract and draw attention and when the police invariably do show up, the fact that its a "frat house" will undoubtedly make your situation worse.