Initial AG office review finds nothing illegal with 'whites-only' community

A preliminary review by Arkansas AG Tim Griffin’s office found no evidence that Return to the Land, a Whites-only private membership association in Sharp County, has violated laws, spokesman Jeff LeMaster stated. "So far, we've not found anything that we've identified as illegal at this point," LeMaster said. The ongoing investigation has not identified illegal activities, despite Griffin’s initial claim that the group’s actions “raise all sorts of legal issues.”

Founder Eric Orwoll and colleague Peter Csere purchased land near Ravenden to create a community to preserve White-American culture and identity, by excluding Blacks, Jews, and other non-Whites. Orwoll states the group complies with state and federal laws.

"If we're found to be in violation for simply existing as a community for people of European heritage, regardless of the due diligence we've performed to organize lawfully, then the implications for freedom of association in our country are bleak," Orwoll said. "If that happens the government will have made a statement that, I believe, the American people will not appreciate."

Return to the Land operates as a private club, requiring a $25 membership fee and vetting process. Members can buy land units for $6,000 per three acres. Csere claims the setup avoids Fair Housing Act violations, as it’s not real estate dealings.

Griffin initially condemned the group, saying, “Racial discrimination has no place in Arkansas or anywhere in a free society.” The group has raised $56,156 for legal defense, anticipating housing discrimination lawsuits.