Minneapolis spokesman., 1962-10-12
Mondole Urges
Realtors To Support
Fair Housino Act
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~ SWPpOu
Fair Housing Act
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lection of civil rights and the
breakdown of discrimination. The
federal courts have taken a strong
stand to ensure equal rights. The
Federal Congress has enacted laws
designed to protect equal rights,
and numerous states have enacted
new legislation that prohibits dis
elimination in voting, employment,
housing, and public accommoda-
lions.
Although much has been ac-
complished to protect the equal
rights Of minority groups, much
still needs to be done. There are
few, If any, parts Of this country
where minority groups are not
subject to discrimination.
In recent months, the battle for
equal rights has centered around
school integration and the opening
of transportation facilities to min
ority groups. These efforts, how
ever, are only a small part Of the
whole equal rights problem.
It Is not sufficient to open the
University of Mississippi to Ne
groes If they are financially un-
able to attend because Of job dis
elimination.
It is not enough to admit them
II employment discrimination pre-
vents them from making use OF
their education. It Is not enough to
teach minority group members an
appreciation Of arts and education,
If they are forced by housing dis
elimination to live in blighted
areas Of our cities.
Nor Is it enough to teach them
about our government and democ-
racy II they are not given voice
and vote in that government.
It Is therefore necessary for US
to attack and eliminate discrim-
nation in many areas - including
voting, public accommodation, edu-
cation, employment and housing.
In many respects, fair housing leg
islation Is the cornerstone for
building a society in which min
ority groups will be ensured equal
protection.
As long as minority groups are
forced to live In ghettos, as they
are in many cities in this country,
schools will be segregated to a
certain extent because of their
geographical location. AS long as
minority groups are forced to live
In ghettos In large cities, they
will be unable to take advantage
of many small town or suburban
employment opportunities because
of Transportation difficulties.
Only when minority groups are
given the opportunity to live and
work with other persons, will dis
elimination and prejudice break
down.
Next January 1st, the Mime
sofa Fair Housing Act goes into
effect. This Is perhaps the most
important law passed by the Min
nesota legislature in recent years.
It places Minnesota among the
leaders In states taking necessary
action to prevent housing discrim-
nation
Many people have questioned the
constitutionality Of the Minnesota
Fair Housing Act since the WASH
ington Supreme Court In the
OMeara case declared the Wash
ington State Fair Housing Act
unconstitutional under the WASH
ington constitution. In my belief,
there Is no question but that the
Minnesota act Is constitutional.
The Minnesota act differs from
the Washington act - and the
Minnesota constitution differs from
the Washington constitution.
Further, fair housing laws sim
liar to that Of Washington have
been upheld In several other states,
including New York, Colorado,
New Jersey and Massachusetts,. I
am firmly convinced that II the
Minnesota Fair Housing Act Is
tested in court, It will be upheld as
a valid exercise Of legislative
power.
I was specifically asked to dis
cuss today the duties Of realtors
under Minnesota's Fair Housing
Act. The duty placed on realtors
Is easily stated. The law prohibits
realtors from any discrimination
because of race, color, creed, re-
ligion or national origin In many
Of their actions in the sale, lease or
rental Of property.
So long as a realtor acts no diff
ferently In regard to any person
because of his race, color. creed,
religion or national origin, he
complies with this law.
I do not feel, however, that the
request to explain realtors duties
under this law was a request for