On January 23, 2015, an Indiana manufactured housing community owner was charged on two counts of discrimination because of his refusal to rent a manufactured home to a racially-mixed couple. Jamal L. Smith, in his official capacity as the Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC), issued charges today on behalf of a couple who was denied access to rent a manufactured home at Garden City Trailer Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. Both charges explain that there is reasonable cause to believe that “an unlawful discriminatory practice occurred in violation of the Indiana Fair Housing Act and the Indiana Civil Rights Law.”

The incident in question involves an unmarried couple consisting of a Caucasian male and a bi-racial (African American and Caucasian) female. The female called Garden City Trailer Park about renting a manufactured home. Although she is employed, evidence shows that someone at the park told her that she needed “two people to pay rent” or “a man” to help and was not interested in renting to her.

However, about a week later, the bi-racial couple, along with their daughter and two other family members, visited Garden City Trailer Park to once again inquire about renting a manufactured home. During the course of the visit, the community owner pointed to the bi-racial female and said, “What is that”? He then inquired about the woman’s race. Upon informing the owner that she was bi-racial (African American and Caucasian) the MH community owner said that “we do not accept that race here” and refused to rent to the couple.

While the MH community owner alleges that he does not recall speaking to the female, he asserts that he would have only denied her because of insufficient income. However, evidence shows that the woman was gainfully employed and had the required first month’s rent and deposit necessary to rent. Following the state’s investigation, it was found that reasonable cause exists to believe a discrimination practice occurred as alleged.

It is important to note that two separate charges were filed on behalf of the couple. The first Complainant, who is female and bi-racial, is seeking damages for being refused to rent a manufactured home because of her race and/or gender. The second Complainant, who is a Caucasian male, has charged the Respondent with refusing to rent to him because of his association with an individual of another race. In both charges, the Complainants allege they were subjected to discriminatory statements.

A public hearing is necessary to determine whether a violation of the Indiana Fair Housing Act and the Indiana Civil Rights Law occurred. However, any aggrieved person may elect to have the claims asserted in a civil action in lieu of an administrative proceeding. ##

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(Graphic Credit: Indiana Civil Rights Commission)

 

Article Submitted by Sandra Lane to – Daily Business News- MHProNews.