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Resolving Racially Restrictive Covenants. As of 2022, there are over 8,000 racially restrictive covenants in the city of Minneapolis alone. These covenants include racially discriminatory language to promote segregation throughout cities, prevent people of color from buying property and attaining mortgages, and diminish opportunities to build wealth and pass it to future generations. Although these covenants became illegal in the 1960s, the effects are still widely present today. Historically segregated Minneapolis neighborhoods still contain less resources, less funding, and more hazards than historically white neighborhoods, and are prime examples of the deep roots of systemic racism in Minneapolis housing. In 2019, Minnesota passed legislation that allows homeowners to formally respond to and remove racially restrictive covenants on their home's title. Homeowners can now fill out a form related to the title of their property to clarify that the restrictive covenant that was once on the home is now ineffective, discharging it from the property entirely. Although the fact these covenants existed will never be erased, this legislation promotes awareness of the systemic racism present in Minneapolis housing and works towards removing these covenants entirely within the state. If you have questions about your home's title and restrictive covenants, speak with one of our attorneys.