A self-declared “whites-only” community that reportedly bars entry to Black, Jewish and LGBTQ+ people has been established in Arkansas, USA, drawing widespread condemnation and raising serious legal and ethical concerns.
Founded in 2023, the group — called Return To The Land (RTTL) — describes itself as a “private membership association (PMA) for individuals and families with traditional views and European ancestry.” According to its website, RTTL aims to create communities rooted in “traditional values” and “strong families with common ancestry” — language critics say is a thinly veiled attack on marginalised communities, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ people.
Although RTTL leaders deny being racist, the group openly promotes white-only residency, and has been featured in a Sky News investigation for its exclusionary practices.
‘Build a White Town’: The Movement’s Open Agenda
RTTL’s founder, Eric Orwoll, told Sky News:
“What we’ve done here is establish a place where we have control over who our neighbours are, and that is just for the sake of preserving our culture.”
When pressed on what he meant by “culture,” Orwoll replied plainly:
“White, American culture.”
In promotional videos, Orwoll adds:
“You want a white nation? Build a white town? It can be done. We’re doing it.”
Currently, the main site spans 150 acres, with around 40 residents. RTTL claims that hundreds more from around the world have already joined or paid for membership.
The group reportedly has six total sites, including another location in Arkansas, with others in planning stages. Far-right movements in Missouri have also been linked to similar initiatives, signalling a growing trend.
‘They Already Have Their Communities’
Members interviewed by Sky News defended RTTL’s existence.
David, a resident, said:
“It wouldn’t be controversial for any other racial group to do the same thing.”
Another member, Niki, insisted the group was misunderstood:
“It’s a loving movement… [LGBTQ+ people] can have their own communities. They already do, and I think that’s great for them.”
She even suggested it would be “neat” to see more white-only cities established.
Prospective members of RTTL undergo a vetting process, including video interviews, and must be of “European heritage” to purchase land plots within the community. Board member and so-called “founding father” Scott Thomas confirmed:
“Ultimately, you have to be someone of European heritage.”
RTTL believes its PMA structure gives it legal cover to bypass anti-discrimination laws. Legal advisor Peter Csere, who helped draft RTTL’s framework, told Sky News:
“I’m hopeful that we’ll win any potential cases.”
When asked if he’s concerned about being labelled racist, Csere said:
“I don’t really know or care if that term applies to me or not.”
Political and Legal Backlash Mounts
The emergence of RTTL has prompted a strong response from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, who told Sky News:
“Racial discrimination has no place in Arkansas or anywhere in a free society… My office is reviewing the matter.”
Nearby residents have also reacted. Pat Johnson, who lives in Pocahontas, blamed the community’s rise on the political shift following Donald Trump’s return to the White House in early 2025:
“I think it’s the change of our presidency… I feel like that’s where the change is.”
Barry Jefferson, president of the Arkansas NAACP, warned:
“We don’t need to get back to the Jim Crow era. We’ve been through that before… No one should be discriminated against because of their skin colour. That’s not right.”
