Earlier this spring, members of Asians and Pacific Islanders of Central Oregon (APICO) were shocked to learn about racially restrictive covenants in the Orchard District in Bend, Oregon, that prevented Chinese and Japanese people from owning or occupying properties for much of the city’s history. This was brought to light through the work of Riccardo Waites and We Black Radio’s​ Good Deeds Project. 

These covenants were put into place in the early 1900’s by Levi Wiest, the chief surveyor and civil engineer responsible for the Bend’s layout and early irrigation development. Wiest was instrumental in Bend’s establishment and was granted several large parcels of land for his efforts. He turned these holdings into an experimental orchard and subdivided the parcels into what he called “Wiestoria.” Today, in addition to residential homes, this area includes public spaces such as Orchard Park, Deschutes River High School, U.S. National Bank and Bank of America properties on Third Street, and the site of a planned 60-unit apartment development on Penn Avenue that was subsidized by the City of Bend.

These original deeds are still on file for approximately 160 properties identified by the Good Deeds Project, and contain some variation of this language:

”...NOR BE IN ANY MANNER, FORM OR WAY USED OR OCCUPIED BY CHINESE OR JAPANESE, EXCEPT THAT CHINESE OR JAPANESE MAY BE EMPLOYED BY RESIDENTS THEREON AS SERVANTS…”

-Deed from Deschutes River High School

-Deed from Orchard Park

Bend, OR 

Historically, racially restrictive covenants were used across the United States to legally enforce segregation. They were established in the early 20th century, ensuring that properties could not be sold or leased to people of color, perpetuating a cycle of discrimination and inequality. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 and other Oregon State law render these covenants no longer enforceable and prevent this language from being passed to subsequent sales deeds. However, the original legally recorded instruments contain the language. The only way to actually remove the language from the legally recorded instruments is for the property owner to go through a legal process to obtain a court order, and then get the deed re-recorded with the County. 

Having this language present in public property deeds is a stark reminder of past injustices and runs counter to the values of equity and inclusivity that our community aspires to uphold.

Now is the time for action. We must urge the City of Bend, the Bend La Pine School District, and the Bend Park & Recreation District to undertake the legal processes necessary to formally redact these offensive and unlawful remnants from any properties they own. We are asking our local government institutions to demonstrate their commitment to recognition and reconciliation of historical wrongs and pave the way for a future where all residents feel equally valued and respected.

Please join us in signing this petition to support our community’s stance on inclusivity by asking our local government institutions to remove this racist language from the legal documents that establish our public spaces. Thank you for your support.