(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A north suburban woman on Tuesday became Lake County’s first resident to challenge a racially restrictive clause in the covenants of her homeowners association.
Nicole Sullivan’s Mundelein Chicago-area subdivision, West Shore Park, prohibits African-Americans, people of Asian heritage and Jewish residents unless they are domestic servants. The language dates back to the 1920s, according to a news release issued by Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart’s office.
“It’s so gross we have this document associated with our properties,” Sullivan said of the segregation component, which she notes is illegal and unenforceable but maddening.
Sullivan is credited with asking her state legislators to draft legislation that sets up a legal process to remove racist language from governing documents at community associations. After being filed with the Recorder of Deeds Office, Sullivan’s request goes to Rinehart, the county's top legal officer, for review.
“Our office looks forward to helping the Recorder and residents in utilizing this fantastic tool,” he said in the news release.
Sullivan said officials at a neighboring subdivision are also seeking to have similar language removed. Such blatant discrimination dates back to the early 20th century when Chicagoans were leaving the city for suburbs.
“The persistence of these covenants can send a message to people that they aren’t welcome in this neighborhood, and people could be wondering if there are going to be problems if I move here,” said state State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, who helped sponsor the new process.
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