Volunteers needed to help find discrimination in land documents Aug. 1

Published on July 13, 2026

Oklahoma City’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) is inviting the community again to support the ongoing Plat Amendment Project. On Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon, the HRC will host a volunteer event at the Ron Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave.

The project flags discriminatory language—such as historic racially restrictive covenants—that remains embedded in local land records or maps. While these clauses are no longer legally enforceable, addressing this language makes the public record accurate and affirms our commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming community.

This volunteer opportunity is open to everyone; no legal or real estate experience required. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own laptops/tablets if they have one.

"The HRC is excited to keep this important project moving forward and is grateful for the community's interest and help in this important work.” HRC Compliance Officer Emma Winiski said. “By spending just two hours with us, volunteers can help ensure that Oklahoma City’s public records reflect the values of our city today."

There will be a brief training session at the start of the event. Participants will then review plats and flag those that contain exclusionary language for further review.

Plat Amendment Project background

Oklahoma City contains over 6,000 plats, which all need manual review. From an earlier volunteer session, 75 volunteers reviewed 2,000 plats.

Since the beginning of the project, discriminatory language has been found in 13 plats. On June 16, the Oklahoma City Council adopted a resolution to remove the discriminatory language from portions of the following neighborhoods:

  • Crown Heights
  • Lincoln Terrace
  • Bath Second East View
  • Edgemere Park

The Oklahoma City Plat Amendment Project is moving forward in partnership with University of Oklahoma graduate student William Willson, who is earning a dual master’s degree in city and regional planning and public health. Learn more about the project at vision.okc.gov.

 

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