Talk by Man Who Promoted All-White Community Planned in Wetumpka
A man known for advocating an all-white community in Arkansas is set to speak at the Southern Cultural Center in Wetumpka this month. Eric Orwoll, co-founder of a group called Return to the Land, aims to create a community that leverages what he describes as “freedom of association” to bypass anti-discrimination and fair housing laws.
The Southern Cultural Center recently shared on Facebook that Orwoll will be addressing attendees at their August meeting. The SCC characterizes Return to the Land as an organization focused on fostering intentional communities for those who cherish European heritage.
Plans reportedly include establishing three communities within the Deep South or Appalachian region of the U.S., with Alabama indicated as a potential site, according to a map released by the group.
Meanwhile, Arkansas Attorney General Tom Griffin mentioned in a recent review that no violations of state or federal laws by the group were found. “While racism has no place in a free society, from a legal standpoint, we don’t see any indication of lawbreaking,” Griffin noted, as per a spokesman’s comments.
The intentions behind Return to the Land seem deliberate, as the group has outlined a complex legal strategy to operate within the bounds of the law. They argue that civil rights activists have historically restricted the rights of freedom of association, especially for exclusive communities like theirs, starting with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and continuing with the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
They assert a claim to exempt themselves from certain provisions of the Fair Housing Act under a “Private Club Exemption,” arguing that they don’t buy or sell land themselves. Instead, the land is owned by members, allowing them the authority to determine who is welcome on their property. The group emphasizes that its members are exclusively of European heritage, holding traditional values regarding relationships, marriage, family, and gender, all under the First Amendment.
