W E D N E S D A Y
October 9, 2024 Vol. 45, No. 15
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@wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL @oakpark
of Oak Park and River Forest
Huskies edge Friars in soccer thriller Page 37
Discriminatory practices found among Oak Park’s biggest housing providers, report shows The unfair practices were based on applicant income or criminal background By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
Madame Butterfly PROVIDED
Roosevelt Middle School Spanish language students (of senoras Tammy Highfill and Marjorie McInerney) visit the Frida Kahlo mural by artist Robert Valadez in Pilsen. See story, page 18
An investigation into fair housing practices of some of Oak Park’s biggest housing providers showed evidence of discrimination in their rental processes. The investigation largely focused on whether those housing providers violated county, state or federal fair housing laws by discriminating against applicants based on income or criminal history. One incident involved racial discrimination. Investigators found evidence that six housing providers were not compliant with laws related to source of income protections. Seven providers could not explain to an investigator acting as a prospective tenant how an arrest or conviction record could affect their application. “Most of the housing providers told our independent investigators, or testers, that they don’t know the policy,” said Michael Chavarria, executive director of the civil rights advocacy organization HOPE Fair Housing Center, which the village hired to conduct the investigation. “[They said] ‘We use See FAIR HOUSING on page 3
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