A real estate broker has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that a white nationalist organization denied her the opportunity to purchase land in an Arkansas development because of her Jewish ancestry and because she has a Black husband and biracial children. The lawsuit, lodged Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Arkansas, names Return to the Land, its Ozarks chapter, and five officers as defendants.
Lawsuit Details and Allegations
According to the complaint, Return to the Land is explicitly attempting to establish an all-white community. The group’s founders reportedly believe that white people are genetically superior to other races, that Jewish people are conspiring to eliminate the white race, and that segregated white communities are necessary to prevent what they term “white genocide.” The lawsuit contends that these actions violate federal and state fair housing and civil rights acts.
Michelle Walker, a real estate broker from St. Louis, applied to buy land in Ravenden, Arkansas, about 150 miles northeast of Little Rock, due to its below-market price. During the application process, she was questioned about her ancestry, religion, and family. Walker is white and belongs to a Christian church, but her mother’s side is of Jewish ancestry.
Historical Context of Housing Discrimination
The lawsuit highlights a long history of racial discrimination in housing. For decades, Black and minority individuals were barred from buying or renting homes in certain neighborhoods through racial covenants and redlining practices. This case underscores ongoing efforts to combat such exclusionary policies.
Walker is represented by the Relman Colfax law firm, the Legal Defense Fund, and Legal Aid of Arkansas. Return to the Land did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Return to the Land’s Activities and Responses
On its website, Return to the Land describes itself as a private membership association for individuals and families with traditional views and common continental ancestry. It operates chapters across the United States, including the Ozarks Regional Chapter covering parts of Arkansas, Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma.
After reports that Return to the Land was seeking to establish a whites-only community near Springfield, Missouri, the Springfield city council issued a Facebook post in July 2025 stating there was no place for such a divisive and discriminatory vision. Similarly, the Pennsylvania state House passed House Bill 2103 in April 2026 by a narrow 101-100 vote, aiming to block the creation of whites-only housing communities. The bill is now before the Pennsylvania Senate.
The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to prevent further discriminatory practices by Return to the Land.
