Press Release from: IOWA
CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11-30-95
Contact Person: Don Grove,
Executive Director, 515-281- 8084
Iowa Civil Rights Commission
Conducts Housing Tests in Charles City
On October 27, 28 and 29, 1995, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)
conducted 21 housing tests in the City of Charles City, Iowa and the surrounding
community. The tests showed 4 possible violations of state and federal anti-discrimination
laws.
The ICRC has tested 29 communities under the current testing program. Cities
tested include Altoona, Anamosa, Ankeny, Charles City, Cherokee, Clear Lake,
Clive, Coralville, Creston, Decorah, Des Moines, Estherville, Grinnell,
Independence, Indianola, Knoxville, Le Mars, Manchester, Maquoketa, Nevada,
Oelwein, Sioux Center, Sioux City, Spencer, Storm Lake, Urbandale, Vinton,
Waverly, and Windsor Heights. The results so far indicate 101 possible violations
out of 528 tests.
In these tests the ICRC evaluated whether race, presence of children and
disability affected the availability of units, caused different treatment
of applicants, or was the reason some applicants were discouraged from applying.
The testers contacted landlords and Realtors by phone and in person to inquire
about the availability of housing.
Two tests showed possible different treatment because of the race of the
testers. In these tests realtors told the White testers about apartments
for rent which they did not mention to the African American testers.
Two other tests showed possible different treatment because of the disability
of the tester. In one test the tester inquired about installing a wheelchair
ramp at the front door. The owner said, "I don't know if there's a
way you can even do that." She added " [b]ecause there's railings
like on the porch. There's like 3 steps I think. I'm not sure." Fair
Housing Law allows tenants to make modifications to their rental units,
at their own expense, to accommodate their disability. Owners have the responsibility
to educate their property managers regarding Fair Housing Laws.