June 2002 Newsletter
The NDFHC has assisted a number of North Dakotans in filing fair
housing complaints in recent months with the North Dakota Department of
Labor’s Human Rights Division. A
description of some of these complaints follows:
-
The NDFHC assisted a Minnesota family in filing a fair housing complaint alleging they were denied rental housing in Bismarck due to the presence of children. An investigation conducted by the NDFHC supported the allegation.
-
·The NDFHC assisted a Mandan resident in filing a complaint alleging discrimination due to disability in the denial of a reasonable accommodation request. The client also alleged an unfair eviction due to disability.
-
The NDFHC filed a complaint against a Devils Lake housing provider for interfering in the investigation of a fair housing complaint. The complaint had originally been filed by a tenant alleging discrimination due to national origin (Native American) and receipt of public assistance.
-
The NDFHC assisted a Mandan family in filing a complaint alleging discrimination due to being a single mother and association with a person of different national origin (Asian).
-
The NDFHC filed a complaint against a Grand Forks housing provider alleging discrimination due to receipt of public assistance. The NDFHC had originally received a complaint in 2001 alleging that Section 8 recipients were being denied housing by the provider. An investigation conducted by the NDFHC supported the allegation.
-
The NDFHC assisted a former Mandan resident in filing a complaint alleging discrimination due to disability. In 2001, the NDFHC received a complaint that the client was being charged an extra monthly rate for a service animal. An investigation conducted by the NDFHC supported the allegation.
A
HUMAN RIGHTS COALITION IN NORTH DAKOTA
Please find below an
introduction to the new Coalition by the Director, Cheryl Bergian:
The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition is pleased to announce
the receipt of a three-year, $240,000 grant from the Otto Bremer
Foundation to establish a new human rights organization in North Dakota.
First,
a brief history: North
Dakotans for a Human Rights Commission was formed before the 2001
legislative session to work toward the establishment of a Human Rights
Commission in North Dakota. While
that goal was not accomplished, the legislature did greatly expand the
responsibilities of the Division of Human Rights within the North Dakota
Department of Labor. Members
of the Coalition then decided that ongoing work was necessary in the human
rights arena in North Dakota with a focus on developing a broad-based
coalition of individuals and organizations with an interest in the
furtherance of human rights. The
group became the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition and applied for a
grant from the Bremer Foundation to begin that work.
The Bremer grant has made it possible for the Coalition to hire a
Director, Cheryl Bergian, and a second, part-time position will be
available with the Coalition.
The
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition will work to affect change so that all
people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights.
The Coalition is in the process of developing strategic priorities
that will accomplish this goal and invites expression of interest from
individuals and organizations as we expand the statewide participation in
the Coalition. Our contact information is:
Cheryl Bergian, Director, North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, P.O.
Box 1961, Fargo, ND 58107-1961, (701) 239-9323, ndhrc@hotmail.com.
SETTLEMENT REACHED IN FAMILIAL STATUS CASE
BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Fair Housing Council (NDFHC) and
three Fargo families have reached a settlement in a case alleging
discriminatory housing practices against families with children.
The case was settled prior to a hearing with an Administrative Law
Judge.
In 1998, the NDFHC received complaints of
discrimination based upon familial status against Ervin Morris who owns
several properties in Fargo. As
a result, the NDFHC conducted an investigation of Mr. Morris’ business
operations.
The investigation by the NDFHC confirmed the basis for the
complaints. As a result,
complaints were filed with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development (HUD) alleging housing discrimination based upon familial
status. The complaints
charged that Mr. Morris denied or refused to negotiate rental housing with
families with children, made statements with respect to the rental of
housing which indicated a preference against familial status, and
interfered with the exercise or enjoyment of rights of families with
children under the Federal Fair Housing Act.
HUD conducted its own investigation and issued a charge of
discrimination against Mr. Morris in 2001.
The case then proceeded to an Administrative Law Judge.
NDFHC
FACT SHEETS NOW IN SPANISH
Courtesy of a donation by Migrant Legal Services, the NDFHC has had
its Fact Sheet Series translated into Spanish.
In addition, the NDFHC brochure is now also available in Spanish.
The NDFHC Fact Sheet Series includes:
Successful Fair Housing Business Standards; Reasonable
Accommodations and Modifications; Service Animals; Frequently Asked Fair
Housing Questions; Applications, Leases & Rules for Rental Occupancy;
and Disability Related Issues.
Please contact the NDFHC offices should you wish to receive any
copies.
BISMARCK
HUMAN RELATIONS
COALITION
FORMED
Several Bismarck residents
interested in furthering human relations within the Bismarck community
have formed the Bismarck Human Relations Coalition.
The
Coalition will work toward the creation of a Bismarck Human Relations
Commission whose mission would be to protect and promote the personal
dignity of all Bismarck citizens and eliminate any discriminatory barriers
that prevent them from reaching their full production capacities.
The Commission would also seek to make compliance and education a
meaningful and visible strategy as it works towards the elimination of the
effects of discriminatory practices in the City of Bismarck.
The
Coalition has had initial establishment meetings and is taking membership. Membership is open to all interested Bismarck-Mandan
residents, businesses and organizations.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Amy at
701/221-2530.
NDFHC
HOSTS WORKSHOPS
The North Dakota Fair Housing Council hosted a number of workshops
across North Dakota during the month of April to celebrate Fair Housing
Month. Workshops were held in
Fargo, Grand Forks, Valley City, Minot, Bismarck and Dickinson.
The workshops were very well attended with over 400 attendees.
At this time, no additional workshops are scheduled for 2002,
although that could change depending upon demand.
US
COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS MEETING HELD
In May, the US Commission on Civil Rights held a Public Forum in
Fargo to discuss post September 11th discrimination.
The Forum was extremely well attended with excellent participation.
Anyone wanting additional information
should contact 303/866-1040.