In the early 20th century, real estate developers included discriminatory covenants in deeds to prevent a property from being sold, leased or occupied based on race, religion or ethnicity.

In 2016, the University of Minnesota founded Mapping Prejudice, which researched discriminatory covenants in Hennepin County. The project discovered 24,131 covenants in Hennepin County, including 245 properties in Plymouth (see map with properties noted in red).

In 2019, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law authorizing property owners to individually discharge or renounce discriminatory covenants by recording a discharge form in the county property records.  

Though legally unenforceable following the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the presence of discriminatory covenants in property titles conflicts with Plymouth’s objective to be a City of Choice, offering high-quality, cost-effective, equitable and inclusive policies and services. Removing covenants furthers the city’s mission to be a welcoming community for all.

With guidance from Just Deeds, Plymouth homeowners can now easily disavow and discharge the discriminatory covenants found on their property titles at no cost. 

To begin, view Mapping Prejudice’s interactive map to see if your address shows a discriminatory covenant.

If a covenant is found on your property, submit an online form on the Just Deeds website to begin the process of removing the covenant.

Thus far, 16 property owners have submitted an application to begin the process of removing a discriminatory covenant on their property titles. 

For questions related to this project, contact Organizational Development & Equity Partner Paul Johnson at 763-509-5083 or prjohnson@plymouthmn.gov.