A Caucasian woman has filed a lawsuit against a whites-only community in Arkansas, alleging that her membership application was rejected because she is married to a Black man. Michelle Walker, 49, claims in her legal filing that Return to the Land (RTTL) discriminated against her when it denied her request to join its 160-acre site near the rural town of Ravenden in November 2023.
RTTL, founded in 2023, describes itself on its website as a private association 'for individuals and families with traditional views and common continental ancestry.' Walker, a real estate worker from St. Louis, Missouri, stated she was not drawn to the community for its principles but was captivated by its 'exceptionally low' land price of $1,000 per acre, significantly below the average $4,000 per acre in the Ozarks.
According to the complaint filed Wednesday in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Walker, who 'self-identifies as white,' believed she met the community's requirements and disclosed her Jewish ancestry on her mother's side. Her husband is Black, and they have three biracial children. The lawsuit states that after an interview where her background was explored, her application was denied approximately one month later.
Walker is suing RTTL for 'refusing to sell her land on the basis of race and religion,' marking the first civil case against the group. She cites the Fair Housing Act and civil rights laws dating back to 1866. Her application included questions about ancestry, religion, and views on segregation, multiculturalism, gay marriage, and transgenderism. Walker was 'surprised' by these questions, believing they violated fair housing laws, but proceeded with the 'hope and expectation' that she would not be denied the right to buy land.
During a subsequent interview, a RTTL member asked if she belonged to any white nationalist organizations. After a month without response, Walker contacted the interviewer, who told her not to expect approval. Her application portal now states she was 'not an ideal fit.' The lawsuit claims RTTL developed an 'extensive screening process' to ensure only white, non-Jewish individuals join, including requests for photos or videos to confirm whiteness and a 'physiognomy check' during video interviews.
John Relman, one of Walker's attorneys, said the suit sends a message that 'the rule of law remains intact' against white separatist organizations. Walker seeks damages and a court order permanently forbidding such discrimination. She is represented by Relman Colfax, Legal Aid of Arkansas, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Walker emphasized she had no plans to move to the community, viewing it solely as a real estate investment. RTTL co-founder Eric Orwoll stated the group anticipated the lawsuit and will rely on First Amendment rights to free association as a defense.
