Didech Legislation Leads Fight Against Racist Property Deed Language

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. – Working with concerned homeowners in Mundelein, state Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, has filed legislation to empower residents to remove unlawful and racist language attached to their property deeds.

“It was disheartening to learn that blatantly racist restrictive covenants were once commonplace, but even more appalling to know that no legislative action has been taken to outright remove them from property ownership documents still used today,” Didech said. “No one, no matter their race, religion, or nationality should be prohibited from owning or renting property, or be forced to have antiquated language – even if not legally-binding – included in their home ownership documents.”

Didech’s House Bill 5815 helps property owners and community associations alike remove unlawful and racist restrictive covenants from property deeds. These racist restrictive covenants were used in the past to promote segregation and prohibit specific communities from living freely. Didech’s proposal would allow local Recorders and State’s Attorneys to coordinate and streamline the process for changes necessary to remove this hateful language from legal documents.

Didech filed this bill after being contacted by concerned residents in Mundelein who are seeking a legal process to remove unlawful language in their property deeds that prohibits them from transferring or leasing their homes to “any person of the African or Negro, Japanese, Chinese, Jewish or Hebrew races, or their descendants.”

“We have an obligation to ensure that our laws represent the values we as a society hold today,” Didech said. “While it is only a small step, this legislation will help not only promote the inclusive values of our state, but also remove an unnecessary and painful reminder of our country’s disturbing past that has been shackled to today’s law-abiding property owners through no fault of their own.”

Residents who want to share their thoughts or seek assistance with state issues can reach Didech at 847-478-9909 or by email at Info@repdidech.com.