Racist Language Remains in Some Older Pennsylvania Property Deeds
Older property deeds in Pennsylvania still contain racist language and discriminatory covenants, including restrictions on who can live in certain homes, with some deeds dating back to the 1700s.
Harrisburg Lancaster Lebanon York, PA, October 28, 2026 —
Older property deeds in Pennsylvania still contain racist language and discriminatory covenants, including restrictions on who can live in certain homes. Some of the deeds date to the 1700s, according to the information provided.
The summary does not identify particular properties, communities, or the number of deeds containing such language. It also does not specify the exact wording of the restrictions or describe how the documents have been handled. No information was provided about whether any listed restrictions are currently enforceable or affect residents today.
The reported issue concerns language preserved in property records: some deeds include discriminatory limits on who could live in certain homes. The information does not detail when the restrictions were added, whether they were later removed or annotated, or what steps property owners or public agencies may have taken regarding them.
Some deeds date back to the 1700s, but no specific dates or examples were provided. The summary also does not name officials, researchers, property owners, or organizations connected to the issue, and it includes no direct quotations.
Further details about the scope of the records and their present-day status are not available in the supplied information. As a result, the reported facts establish that racist language and discriminatory covenants remain in some older Pennsylvania deeds, but do not establish how widespread the documents are or what practical effects, if any, the language has now.
Story summarized from the original created by Dennis Owens,George Stockburger on www.abc27.com, see more information here.
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