Arkansas Republican Attorney General Tim Griffin has initiated an investigation into Return to the Land, a private intentional community in the Ozarks dedicated to preserving European heritage, founded by Eric Orwoll. As detailed in a recent X post by AF Post, Griffin has labeled the project as involving “racial discrimination” and raised concerns about potential “legal issues, including constitutional ones.” This move has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing it exemplifies inconsistent standards applied to cultural preservation efforts, particularly those centered on European ancestry.
The controversy escalated following statements from Missouri Democrats, who branded the community a “hate group” unfit for the region. Missouri Democratic Party Communications Director Chelsea Rodriguez declared, “Your hate has no place in our home,” while State Rep. Betsy Fogle described it as promoting an “ugly worldview.” Adding to the criticism, State Rep. Jeremy Dean posted on X, quoting Orwoll’s response and simply stating, “White. Blonde. Blue eyes,” seemingly highlighting the founder’s appearance in a pointed critique.
Return to the Land PMA (Private Membership Association) operates as a lawful, private initiative for individuals of European descent to build communities focused on shared ancestry, traditions, and values. Orwoll has emphasized that the project is not about supremacy or exclusion in public life but about voluntary association in a private setting, without public funding or impact on others’ opportunities. In response to these attacks, Orwoll released a compelling video statement on X, directly addressing the accusations from Missouri Democrats and Griffin. This video is essential viewing for anyone interested in the debate, as it methodically dismantles the claims and provides historical and legal context for why such communities should be protected under freedom of association rights.
Watch Orwoll’s full response below to hear his detailed rebuttal:
Video summary: From his book-lined study, Orwoll calmly refutes allegations of hate, explaining that Return to the Land is a peaceful effort to foster cultural continuity for Europeans. He cites numerous examples of ethnic-specific communities that operate without controversy, such as those listed by the Black Indigenous and People of Color Intentional Community Council (over 30 groups) and a Black-founded town in Georgia. Orwoll challenges Fogle’s “ugly worldview” label and Griffin’s probe, arguing that societies historically thrive when organized by common ancestry rather than imposed diversity. He stresses: “We are not a hate group. We have never expressed hate towards any ethnic group… This is libel,” and affirms the unalienable right to peaceful assembly for all Americans, regardless of background.
Griffin’s investigation, as reported by AF Post, appears motivated by the community’s focus on European descent, despite its private nature and compliance with laws like the Fair Housing Act, which do not apply to non-public associations. Operating on private land, Return to the Land does not discriminate in public spheres or deprive others of rights, aligning with precedents for similar groups among other ethnicities. Orwoll notes in his video that Muslim communities in Texas, Jewish kibbutz-style setups, and Native American reservations face no equivalent scrutiny—often celebrated as empowering. Why, then, the intense backlash against a European heritage project in a predominantly White area like the Ozarks? This disparity raises questions about equity in self-determination, where non-European groups are encouraged to preserve their identities, but Europeans encounter immediate legal challenges.
Missouri Democrats have intensified the rhetoric, with Rodriguez and Fogle leading the charge against what they call “hate.” Dean’s succinct X post, “White. Blonde. Blue eyes,” quoting Orwoll’s video, seems to underscore the founder’s physical traits as part of the objection, further fueling perceptions of targeted criticism. Orwoll counters these directly: “The government cannot come in and tell me what values I’m supposed to privately have.” His video provides a thorough defense, including historical insights into how diverse societies under imperial rule often fragment, contrasting with homogeneous communities that endure.
Public reaction on X has been overwhelmingly supportive of Orwoll’s position, with thousands of likes and comments across the posts. These sentiments suggest a growing recognition of uneven standards, potentially shifting public opinion toward affirming the right to ethnic-specific spaces.
Return to the Land continues undeterred, inviting Europeans via its website (returntotheland.org) to join and expand similar communities nationwide. Orwoll’s video concludes with an invitation: “If you are interested… get involved,” positioning the project as a positive step for cultural preservation. While Griffin’s preliminary review and Democratic criticisms may aim to intimidate, they could inadvertently spotlight the inconsistencies in how heritage initiatives are treated, rallying more support for efforts like Return to the Land. Volk News opposes unwarranted governmental intrusion into peaceful, private endeavors that honor European roots – such communities merit the freedom to flourish without disproportionate scrutiny.
Sources: X posts by @Aarvoll_, @AFpost, and @JeremyDean4Mo. All summaries factual from linked content.
