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Idaho Matters

Getting rid of old racist language in Idaho housing deeds

A new bill working its way through the Idaho legislature would let homeowners get rid of discriminatory and racist language on their housing deeds.

Broadcast on:
07 Feb 2022

The first known deed containing a covenant in the Twin Cities, May 26, 1910. The passage containing the covenant is highlighted.
The first known deed containing a covenant in the Twin Cities, May 26, 1910. The passage containing the covenant is highlighted.(Minnesota Historical Society / Hennepin County Recorder's Office)

A new bill working its way through the Idaho legislature would let homeowners get rid of discriminatory and racist language on their housing deeds. Despite the fact that these race-based covenants have been illegal for decades they still pop up in older documents, usually when someone is buying a home.

Idaho Matters learns about the history of these covenants and an update on the bill stands from Idaho Press reporter Alexandra Duggan.