What Everyone Should Know About Fair Housing:
Housing plays a large role in defining a person’s quality of life. Where you live affects your access to social, cultural, educational and many other community amenities such as schools, transportation, employment, medical services, retail and professional services, recreational and entertainment opportunities and much more. Housing discrimination is an illegal obstacle to housing choice and denies people the opportunity to fully experience and enjoy the “American Dream” of choosing, owning and being responsible for their own house and home.
The Law
Fair Housing Act and other federal and state laws were enacted to guarantee a right to a national housing market free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin.
Civil Rights Act of 1866 – The Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits all racial discrimination in the sale or rental of property.
Fair Housing Act – With the enactment of the US Civil Rights Act of 1968, fair housing rights became federal law. Title VIII of the Act, as amended by Congress in 1988 prohibits discrimination based upon the race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin of those seeking housing.
Section 9.13 of the Fond du Lac Municipal Code prohibits discrimination in housing and public accommodations.
Protected Groups
The following characteristics cannot be used in assessing a person’s qualifications for housing: Sex, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status of the person maintaining a household, lawful source of income, age, ancestry, familial status or victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking.
If You Suspect Discrimination in Housing:
The City has partnered with the Fair Housing Council to provide fair housing services to the community. If you suspect discrimination, please call the Fair Housing Council at 1-877-647-3247 or go to www.fairhousingwisconsin.com
You may also contact Dyann Benson, Community Development Director, (920) 322-3440.
If You Suspect Discrimination At Your Place of Employment:
The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. If you believe that you have been discriminated at work because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information, you can file a Charge of Discrimination. Please contact the EEOC Milwaukee Area office at 1-800-669-4000 or visit their website at www.eeoc.gov for more information.