(KANSAS CITY, KS, 12/29/2021) – The Kansas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Kansas) today called on Governor Laura Kelly to issue an executive order allowing the Roeland Park, Kan., and other cities throughout the state to remove racist, discriminatory language from property documents.
Roeland Park leaders are looking for ways to remove racist and discriminatory language from property-related documents on homes throughout the city. Prohibitions on selling, renting, and leasing property to members of minority communities were found in plats, deeds, covenants, and restriction agreements written by homeowner organizations. Some city officials expressed opposition to the efforts, citing high costs for removing the language.
City Attorney Steven Mauer said the easiest and most cost-effective way to remove the racist and discriminatory language would be through legislation allowing the Recorder of Deeds to do so without having to go through other processes.
SEE: Roeland Park considers removing racist language from property records
In a statement, CAIR-Kansas Board Chairman Moussa Elbayoumy said:
“It is unacceptable that racist, discriminatory language continues to be present in property documents. Governor Kelly should immediately issue an executive order allowing for the swift removal of such content from property documents in Roeland Park and statewide. Doing so would be a step toward ensuring equal housing opportunities for all citizens.”
He noted that CAIR supported proposed legislation in Wyoming that would remove racially discriminatory covenants from housing deeds.
SEE: CAIR Supports Wyoming Bill to Remove Racist Housing Covenants
Last year, CAIR welcomed Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s signing of a new law giving localities the power to repeal racist language in Virginia’s Acts of Assembly.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Virginia Governor’s Signing of Laws Allowing Removal of Confederate Monuments, Repealing Racist Language
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Kansas Board Chair Moussa Elbayoumy, 785-318-6323,CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com
