Racially Restrictive Covenants

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

Racially restrictive covenants were clauses inserted into property deeds, designed to prevent individuals of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds from owning or occupying property in specific areas, serving as a tool for systemic segregation and discrimination. These covenants were essentially private contracts or conditions attached to property deeds, stating that the land could not be sold or rented to people of a specific race or ethnicity. The primary purpose was to maintain racially homogenous neighborhoods and prevent the integration of communities. While these covenants were once legally enforceable, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Shelley v. Kraemer (1948) that judicial enforcement of such covenants constituted state action and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 further outlawed discriminatory practices in housing, including the use of racially restrictive covenants. Despite being legally unenforceable, many of these covenants still exist in property records, serving as a reminder of the country's racist past and the ongoing struggle for housing equality. Some communities are now working to remove or disavow these discriminatory language and educate their communities about the ongoing harms of systemic racism. 

AP Government Exam Review Updated for 2026
Quick View
AP Government Exam Review Updated for 2026
$15.00

Prepare for the 2026 AP® US Government Exam with High Five! Our Exam Review guide is completely redesigned and updated with over 140 pages of great AP Exam review material. Tons of completed graphic organizers are full of information to get you exam-ready in a flash.

This 2026 exam guide is an instant download and contains all the following resources.

  • Overview of the U.S. Government and Politics exam. 

  • Completed graphic organizers for all required documents + Supreme Court cases. 

  • Guide to the skills and content for all 5 course units. 

  • Essential vocabulary with link to online glossary.

  • Tons of Graphic Organizers with answers from each course unit.

  • GoPo Pro Tips and checklists.

  • Exam review Guides.

  • Amazing AI generated images of the Framers of the Constitution giving high fives!

  • Full Length AP multiple choice + Free Response Exam with Key.

AP ® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site or product.

GoPoPro does not offer credit or grades for our classes or products.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. Translate racially restrictive covenants into English language that a classmate of yours would understand.

  2. Give an example of how racially restrictive covenants worked?

  3. Why did people use racially restrictive covenants?

  4. What is a current consequence of the use of racially restrictive covenants?

  5. What Supreme Court case outlawed racially restrictive covenants?

  6. What legislation further outlawed racially restrictive covenants?

  7. Do you think the current president would favor or oppose bringing back racially restrictive covenants again?

  8. Did you know that you can research your own deed to find out if it is racially restricted? Yep, you can.

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw racially restrictive covenants. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

GoPo Glossary

AP Government Exam Review Updated for 2026
Quick View
AP Government Exam Review Updated for 2026
$15.00

Prepare for the 2026 AP® US Government Exam with High Five! Our Exam Review guide is completely redesigned and updated with over 140 pages of great AP Exam review material. Tons of completed graphic organizers are full of information to get you exam-ready in a flash.

This 2026 exam guide is an instant download and contains all the following resources.

  • Overview of the U.S. Government and Politics exam. 

  • Completed graphic organizers for all required documents + Supreme Court cases. 

  • Guide to the skills and content for all 5 course units. 

  • Essential vocabulary with link to online glossary.

  • Tons of Graphic Organizers with answers from each course unit.

  • GoPo Pro Tips and checklists.

  • Exam review Guides.

  • Amazing AI generated images of the Framers of the Constitution giving high fives!

  • Full Length AP multiple choice + Free Response Exam with Key.

AP ® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site or product.

GoPoPro does not offer credit or grades for our classes or products.

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
Previous

Jury Nullification
Next

Regulatory Capture