In recognition of the 38th anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act, the Urban League of the MidPlains and other housing and civil rights agencies will attend Wichita City Council meeting on Tuesday, when Mayor Carlos Mayans proclaims April 2006 “Fair Housing Month” in the City of Wichita.
The April 4th date coincides with the 38th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose efforts for civil rights brought about passage of the Federal Fair Housing Act shortly after his death.
The Federal Fair Housing Act protects a citizen’s right to live where they want without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status. With few exceptions, the Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, lending and insuring of housing.
At the federal level the law is enforced by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD’s national theme for Fair Housing Month is “Fair Housing. It’s not an option. It’s the law.” Information on housing discrimination and how to report it will be provided as a public service through several media outlets, including Cox Communications, UPN Kansas and various radio stations.
In addition, Urban League of the MidPlains, in cooperation with the City of Wichita, will present two educational seminars on both the Fair Housing Act and the Kansas Landlord/Tenant Act. These presentations will take place April 11th and 20th at the Atwater Neighborhood City Hall. To reserve a seat, call the Atwater Center at 303-8017.
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