Kentucky Commission On Human Rights ALL DOORS ARE OPEN IN KENTUCKY Newsletter S Development (HUD) issued a final rule that prohibits In recognition of U.S. and discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived P Kentucky Fair Housing sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status I in regard to housing programs assisted by HUD or Month, April subject to a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing N Administration. This issue is dedicated to Fair Housing. Among other G Kentucky Civil Rights passage items within are fair housing-related articles by guest On March 15, 1968, Kentucky passed the Kentucky contributors, information about fair housing events, and Fair Housing Act. Newly elected state House of more. Representative of Louisville was one of 2 There are still many residents who are not aware of just three in the legislature in 1968. 0 their right to live free from discrimination in the area of (She served until 1984.) housing. Mae Street Kidd 1 The national Fair Housing Month of April began in 1968 The first bill she sponsored as a celebration of the passage of the national Act, and 4 prohibited racial discrimination in burgeoned into an annual recognition. Many states, if housing. After several Kentucky not all, also adopted April as state Fair Housing Month. cities passed their own local In Kentucky, the Kentucky Commission on Human open-housing legislation in 1966 Rights and most partner organizations that either and 1967, Kidd worked with enforce civil rights or focus on housing assistance Senator and services to segments of the population, utilize April Representative Hughes McGill as a month of education and training. The goal is to to introduce the Kentucky Fair Housing Act to the raise awareness to people in the state who belong Kentucky General Assembly. The bill passed in 1968, to protected classes such as minorities, people with making Kentucky the first Southern state to enact such a children under age 18-yrs. old, people with disabilities, law on its own. people of various ethnicity or other national origins. U.S. Civil Rights Act passage Education and training are also provided to housing On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed providers and housing finance providers who desire or the federal Civil Rights Act of 1968, which prohibits are required to learn how to comply with fair housing discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing law. of housing. Protections from Housing Discrimination According to HUD, “[the national Act] came only The Kentucky Civil Rights Act, including amendments after a long and difficult journey...Congress regularly added to it in later years, prohibits discrimination in considered a fair housing bill, but failed to garner a housing, based on the protected classes of race, color, strong enough majority for its passage.” national origin, religion, disability, gender, and familial status. Cities experienced rioting after Rev. Martin Luther King’s assassination, and violence increased on a national level. Protection from discrimination based on sexual Also, according to HUD, the Vietnam War played a great orientation is provided through city ordinances by the factor in that deaths of American soldiers fell heaviest following six Kentucky locations: Covington, Frankfort, among African American and Hispanic infantrymen. Lexington, Louisville, Morehead, and Vicco. As a result, HUD says, “[their] families could not purchase In 2012, the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Continued next page or rent homes in certain residential Martin L. King Jr. said, “In the end, developments due to race and Thank you for we will remember not the words of national origin.” success of 50th our enemies, but the silence of our Organizations like the NAACP, Anniversary friends.” the GI Forum and the National You were not silent! Along with Committee Against Discrimination March on Frankfort thousands of other good people of In Housing brought more pressure Kentucky, you put your hands to the to bear on Congress to pass the Fair By John J. Johnson plow of justice. Housing Act to remedy the inequity, Executive Director according to HUD. Kentucky Commission on Human Rights On Wednesday, March 5, 2014, the Enforcement of Fair Housing law seeds you sowed by participating HUD reports that 35 years after On behalf of the in the march were in full bloom Congress enacted the U.S. Fair Allied as multitudes converged on the Housing Act, millions of complaints Organizations Kentucky capital city. for Civil Rights are still filed each year through The event was the largest gathering (AOCR), thank nonprofit fair-housing agencies, in the capital for human and civil you for your the U.S. Dept. of Housing and rights since the March on Frankfort leadership and Urban Development, the U.S. Dept. in 1964. of Justice, state agencies like the participation in Kentucky Commission on Human making the 50th Rights and local government Anniversary March on Frankfort a agencies. great success. Words seem inadequate to express the In the last 10 years, from fiscal year compassion, sense of purpose, unity, 2003 through 2013, the Kentucky and respect shown during the Commission on Human Rights has march. filed 454 housing discrimination complaints for people within the state. Many more people do not report housing discrimination due It not only provided a special and to lack of information about their unique opportunity to express rights or due to fear of legal process appreciation for the struggles or fear of recrimination. and sacrifices of the past, but also As a result, recognizing the Fair allowed us to join with comrades Housing Month of April and throughout the state who continue providing education, outreach and to stand on the frontline of the training play significant roles. Photos by Rikka Wallin struggle for social justice, equal Pictured above at the march, beginning at opportunity and equal treatment. far left, is Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Chair George W. Stinson, third from You stepped up and spoke up! With left is General Association of Baptists in Kentucky Moderator Dr. C.B. Akins, , your enthusiasm, the rally theme,” Kentucky Conference of NAACP Branches Lift Every Voice & Vote,” was carried President Raoul Cunningham, KY Gov. Steve throughout the state. Social media, Beshear, KY Human Rights Commission Exec. Dir. John J. Johnson, Simmons College of newspapers, television, students and Kentucky Board of Trustees Chair Dr. F. Bruce scholars all carried the important Williams, and KY Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson. news of equality.

Kentucky Commission on Human Rights John J. Johnson, Executive Director 332 W Broadway, Suite 1400, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 . Phone: 502.595.4024 . Toll-free: 800.292.5566 Fax: 502.595.4801 . Email: [email protected] VISIT US ONLINE AT kchr.ky.gov Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Newsletter Victoria Stephens, Editor

2 We joined as a coalition of Kentuckians the chance to decide standards of neighboring states.” conscience under the banner of in an upcoming election whether to the AOCR made up of Kentucky allow persons convicted of a felony The League reports that as of 2010, organizations, marchers and (with some exceptions) to have their which it says is the most recent volunteers representing persons of voting rights automatically restored data available, approximately color, women, children, immigrants, after expiration of probation, final 180,000 people were permanently older Americans, people with discharge from parole, or maximum prohibited from voting. disabilities, the LGBT community, expiration of sentence. The Kentucky League of Women major religious groups, labor unions, Voters reports that: and civil liberties and human rights House Bill 70 passed the House, groups. but the Senate amended it with a “Kentucky is currently one of the substitute that would have placed four most restrictive states in regard This diverse assemblage of significant restrictions on automatic to voting rights restoration for Kentuckians gathered to celebrate restoration terms and eligibility. individuals convicted of a felony. the ’64 March on Frankfort and The House rejected the substitute Along with Florida, Iowa, and to galvanize support toward a and returned it to the Senate. Virginia, all felony convictions in nation that is as good as its ideals The session is ending and a chance Kentucky result in a lifetime ban on of promoting and protecting the voting unless rights are restored human and civil rights of all persons. for passage of some version of the legislation has dwindled. Senate by the governor. In most of these Majority leader Damon Thayer said four states the rights restoration Legislation to restore process is discretionary and voting rights is perhaps in the Courier-Journal on April 1 that he likely will not call the measure for often cumbersome, leaving few dead, but only for this a second vote because the Senate individuals who avail themselves of session, Keep forging backs the amendments he placed on the opportunity to apply. ahead the bill, which resulted in the Senate “The overall disenfranchisement rate Bill Substitute. The Kentucky Commission on of 7.35%, of the population, or 1 of Human Rights and the other Regardless, legislators need to hear every 14 adults, is nearly three times members of the Allied Organizations from constituents on this matter, the national average.” for Civil Rights urged everyone to even after this session. Please voice strong support of the passage call the KY Legislative Research of legislation that would restore Commission at 502.564.8100 and the basic American right to vote to ask to leave a message for the KY Human Rights more than 180,000 disenfranchised entire Legislature urging passage citizens in Kentucky. of legislation now or in the next Rulings on session that will bring to a public discrimination Support of such legislation was the vote the matter of automatically focus of the speaking portion of the restoring voting rights to people complaints th 50 Anniversary March on Frankfort who have completed their sentences program held on March 5. for felony convictions. During its January, February and March 2014 meetings, the Kentucky The 2014 Kentucky General Kentucky League of Women Commission on Human Rights Board Assembly House Bill 70 proposed statistics of Commissioners ruled to approve allowing the public to vote on an According to the Kentucky League two conciliation agreements, amendment to Section 145 of the of Women Voters, “Kentucky’s eight case withdrawals resolved Constitution of Kentucky, which disenfranchisement policies stand with private settlements, 23 case concerns voter rights. out as harsh not only in comparison withdrawals giving complainants the right to file private suits, and 37 If passed, it would have given to most states, but even by the complaint dismissals with findings of Board of Commissioners Chair George W. Stinson, Louisville . Robert Asseo, Florence . Duane Bonifer, Greensburg . Richard Brown, Owensboro Samuel R. Coleman Jr., Middlesboro . Henry Curtis, Frankfort . Mildred Hudson Diehl, Fort Mitchell Carol Jackson, Ashland . Sandra Moore, Ph.D., Richmond . Doris Clark Sarr Ph.D., Murray . Timothy W. Thomas, Madisonville

3 no probable cause to evidence that Sponsored by the Kentucky Young, attorney at the Legal Aid discrimination occurred. Commission on Human Rights. Society; Jan Gable, a mortgage loan Space is limited to 15 participants, officer with Commonwealth Bank Conciliations agreements are similar on first-come, first- serve basis. To and Trust; and Stephanie Horne, to settlements and are negotiated register, contact Juan Peña at juan. owner of Agency Title. by commission staff. Respondents [email protected]. deny any allegations of violations of For more information, contact civil rights law. In most conciliations, April 12, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CDT), Cathy Hinko at cathy@ respondents agree to undergo Kentucky Commission on Human metropolitanhousing.org. compliance training and monitoring. Rights Fair Housing information April 21, 1 to 3 p.m. (EDT), Fair Following is information about the booth will be at the Annual Health Housing Training at the Pikeville conciliations approved during this Fair at St. Joseph Church, 434 Public Library, 119 College St., period: Church Ave., in Bowling Green, Ky. Room 125, Pikeville, Ky. The training For more information, contact Gina will help social service providers Barry Baugh v. the Most Awesome Holmes, at [email protected] or and government employees learn Flea Market in the World LLC, call 270.842.2525. common discriminatory actions so in Shepherdsville, Ky.: Alleged April 15, 6 to 8 p.m. (EDT), The they can better inform clients and discrimination based on disability in Northern Kentucky NAACP will be constituencies when they have been a public accommodations provider; holding its fifth annual Diversity discriminated against. Individuals in $1,500 to complainant. Housing Fair at the Newport real estate business can learn about th Jan Baumann v. Woodland Hills of Syndicate, 18 East Fifth Street, fair housing laws that will help them Southgate et al., in Southgate, Ky.: Newport, Ky. The program will avoid discriminatory practices. Alleged discrimination based on feature information on obtaining The training is free and open to disability in housing; Respondent will home ownership, financing, the public. It is sponsored by the provide accessible parking sign, with credit and buying. Home builders, Lexington Fair Housing Council no related charges, for complainant. financial institutions, furniture and the Kentucky Commission stores and agencies that speak to on Human Rights. For more people about home ownership information, contact Juan Peña at Regional Fair programs are invited to attend [email protected]. Housing Events and set up information booths. April 22, 12:30 to 4 p.m. (CDT), ‘Get The program is free and open to on the Bus: the path toward equal Calendar the public. However, businesses housing opportunity,’ a tour starting and agencies are encouraged to at State Street Baptist Church, 340 April 8, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. take ads in the NAACP newsletter State St., in Bowling Green, Ky., (EDT), Fair Housing Training for the program to help sponsor 42101. Participants will be led on at Patriot Bank Mortgage, 950 refreshments for the housing fair. a guided bus tour as presenters Breckinridge Ln., Suite 240, For information, contact Jerome highlight the history and impact Louisville. Kentucky Commission Bowles, 859.442.7476, or bowlesjs@ of segregated housing in 20th on Human Rights is conducting this yahoo.com. century Bowling Green. The event training. It is for affiliated partners of April 17, 12 p.m. - (EDT), Fair is free and open to the public, but Patriot Bank Mortgage. Contact Juan Housing Home Ownership preregistration is required due to Peña at [email protected]. forum, The Three States of Home limited seating. To register for this April 8, 1:30 p.m. (EDT), La Poderosa Ownership, at the Louisville event, visit the website at www. Radio, 620 AM and105.7 FM on the Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway lexingtonfairhousing.com or call radio dial, in Louisville, Ky., Louisville in Louisville. It is sponsored by 859.971.8067. Metro Human Relations Commission the Louisville Human Relations April 30, 1 to 4 p.m. (EDT), Fair will air a Spanish-language radio Commission and Metropolitan Housing and Diversity training, presentation on fair housing. Please Housing Coalition, KY Human Rights Ramada Inn, 2143 N. Broadway, tune in and listen. Commission, and others. It will Lexington, Ky. The training will focus April 11, 1 to 3 p.m. (EDT), Training cover rules that apply to purchasing, on basic fair housing law and will on fair housing laws at the Kentucky maintaining, and selling a home. also include a brief diversity session. Commission on Human Rights, 332 Panelists include: Christie McCravy The event is being sponsored by the West Broadway 14th Floor, Louisville. of the Louisville Urban League; John

4 Lexington Fair Housing Council, the Keynote speaker is Sara K. Pratt, Housing Council based in Louisville Kentucky Housing Corporation and deputy assistant secretary for in 1995, and he played a key role in the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Enforcement and Programs of the writing and passing the Kentucky Human Rights Commission. There is U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Civil Rights Act in 1966. Mr. Martin’s no fee, but registration is required. Development Office of Fair Housing legacy lives on in many forms to this To register, visit the website at www. and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). day. lexingtonfairhousing.com or call Registration and sponsorship The LFHC 859.971.8067. information coming soon. For provides legal April 30, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EDT), more information, call the MHC at assistance for Housing Opportunities Made Equal, 502.584.6858. people who feel a Cincinnati-based fair housing they have been organization that is aligned with the Lexington Fair discriminated Kentucky Commission on Human against based on Rights, will provide a free program Housing Council their race, color, on rebuilding home ownership religion, national in minority communities. It will celebrates 20 origin, gender, disability, familial be held at the Cincinnati branch status, sexual orientation, or gender of the Federal Reserve Bank of years identity. Cleveland, 150 East Fourth Street, By Art Crosby, Guest Contributor The LFHC provides training and Cincinnati. The keynote speaker advice to housing providers to help Executive Director will be James H. Carr, nationally prevent housing discrimination Lexington Fair Housing Council recognized consultant in housing that might otherwise occur. The finance, banking and urban policy. LFHC also conducts tests (a sort of This year marks There will also be a panel discussion “mystery shopping”) to monitor the 20th on home ownership programs. housing providers and to ferret out Anniversary of Advance registration is required. discrimination. Contact Myra Calder at Housing the Lexington Opportunities Made Equal in Fair Housing The LFHC does not charge for Cincinnati at 513.977.2623, or send Council (LFHC). its services. Originally, the LFHC focused primarily on serving email to myra.calder@homecincy. The 20-year mark Lexington and the central Kentucky org. is substantially area, but with the closing of the less impressive May 14, 2 to 4 p.m. (EDT) Kentucky Kentucky Fair Housing Council in than the 50-year mark recently Fair Housing Task Force is meeting at 2006, the LFHC expanded its work surpassed by the Kentucky the Kentucky Housing Corporation, throughout the state. 1231 Louisville Rd., Frankfort. This Commission on Human Rights or will be a special meeting devoted the 46-year commemoration of the The LFHC takes thousands of calls to the analysis of impediments and Federal Fair Housing Act. each year from people who believe they have been treated “unfairly.” a discussion of the impediments Nevertheless, it is an The LFHC works with about 100 currently hampering fair housing accomplishment for a small clients every year to investigate efforts across Kentucky. The nonprofit organization to survive complaints of specific discrimination meeting is open to the public. and stay true to its mission for that in housing. In about 40 cases every The mission of the task force is many years. to collectively and affirmatively year, the LFHC helps the client file a The LFHC was founded in March furthering fair housing in all areas complaint and represents the client 1994 by Galen Martin. His personal and populations in Kentucky. For throughout the administrative and story is deeply interwoven with the more information, contact Juan legal process. history of civil rights in Kentucky. Peña at [email protected]. ______Mr. Martin was the first executive June 12, beginning at 5 p.m. (EDT), The LFHC has served clients in all director for the Kentucky Human Join the Metro Housing Coalition manner of cases. There have been Rights Commission, and served in (MHC) for its 2014 annual meeting, young female clients with landlords that position from 1961 to 1989. to be held at The Ice House, 217 demanding sexual favors from them E Main St., Louisville, Ky., 40202. He also founded the Kentucky Fair in order to keep their housing. There

5 have been African American families that Kentuckians are living longer, who woke up to find that a cross had that there is a growing awareness Segregated been burned in their front yard in of disability rights, and that the Louisville areas the middle of the night. There have law governing disability issues can been clients who were forced out of sometimes be very complex. addressed in their homes when they had a new Second, there has been a growing baby. awareness as to the importance of action plan ______civil rights protections for sexual By Cathy Hinko, Guest Contributor Sometimes, the LFHC’s work means orientation and gender identity. Executive Director that an individual finally receives Lexington and Louisville both Metro Housing Coalition the handicap parking spot that adopted Fairness Ordinances in they had been requesting for 1999 and Covington adopted a On Thursday, years. Sometimes individuals will similar ordinance in 2003. In 2013, February 13, 2014, receive large financial settlements there were three additional cities the Louisville to compensate them for their loss of that adopted Fairness Ordinances Metro Human civil rights. Sometimes individuals (Frankfort, Morehead, and Vicco). Relations are simply able to learn the real In the coming years, the LFHC will Commission non-discriminatory reason that their continue to offer its services and (LMHRC) released rental application was turned down. assistance to any city or county a 20-year action Sometimes, the LFHC’s work means that is considering a local Fairness plan for improving to push for change. The LFHC has Ordinance. fair housing, pushed for a number of apartment The LFHC is proud of what it has Making Louisville Home For Us All: A complexes to make retrofits to accomplished over the past 20 years. 20-year Action Plan for Fair Housing, their units so that they would be It should be noted, however, that as part of the LMHRC’s annual Race accessible for individuals with the LFHC would not have been able & Relations Conference. disabilities. to accomplish anything without the The report was researched and The LFHC has worked to make help of its partners. produced for the LMHRC by the sure that supportive housing for The LFHC depends on assistance ’s Anne individuals with mental illness is from the United States Department Braden Institute for Social Justice allowed in every neighborhood. of Housing and Urban Development. Research in consultation with the The LFHC has worked to increase The LFHC depends on its Metropolitan Housing Coalition awareness of how segregation partnerships with the state and local (MHC), which coordinated the patterns of the past continue to human rights commissions. development of the action steps outlined in the report. impact the segregation that still The LFHC depends on its exists today in our communities. The report is available as a free partnerships with countless other download at MHC’s Website: www. Throughout the past 20 years, there organizations, like Legal Aid, KDVA, metropolitanhousing.org. have been two striking changes in Metropolitan Housing Coalition, the the work being done by the LFHC. Kentucky Housing Corporation, the Making Louisville Home for Us First, the number of complaints Louisville and Lexington Apartment All details Louisville’s history of alleging disability discrimination Associations, Kentucky Equal discrimination in housing and has now surpassed the number Justice Center, Fairness Campaign, efforts over time to combat that of complaints alleging race University of Louisville discrimination. discrimination. Institute for Social Justice, and The report documents, utilizing Since 2008, the LFHC has hundreds of others. many kinds of data, that residential consistently handled more disability For more information, call segregation remains a major complaints than any other type of 859.971.8067 or toll-free at problem in metro Louisville and case. Last year, the LFHC handled 1.866.438.8617. suggests forward-looking remedies. more disability cases than all other The report analyzes action steps types of cases combined. There developed from the 2010 report are a number of factors going into Analysis of Impediments to Fair this change, including: the fact Housing Choice in Louisville Metro,

6 KY. Making Louisville Home for Us the proposed law despite clear and All contains goals to effectively ‘Fairness’ in Fair compelling evidence that LGBT measure and continuously Housing people have been experiencing improve fair housing choice in our discrimination at disproportionately community. By Chris Hartman, Guest Contributor high rates for decades. According to Catherine Fosl, Director, Fairness Campaign A statewide Fairness law is simple— University of Louisville social it would add “sexual orientation scientist and lead researcher of the As we literally and gender identity” to be included report, “This 20-year action plan march into Fair among the other state protected offers concrete steps for making fair Housing Month, classes, like race, color, religion, and affordable housing a reality in we are reminded nation of origin, familial status, metro Louisville. Unlike many action that Kentuckians age, and more. In Kentucky, even a plans in major cities all across the have much to be person’s smoking status is protected USA, it is firmly grounded in our proud of and so from this type of discrimination, but local history. That history includes much more work not LGBT people. to do on the persistent structural residential In the absence of a statewide Fairness front. segregation and discrimination that Fairness law, which would are with us still, but it also includes Several weeks ago, the Fairness be enforced by the Kentucky concerted effort and creative Coalition marched step by step Commission on Human Rights, cities initiatives by many Louisvillians alongside our allies to mark the 50th across our state have moved to fill working together in search of anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther in the gaps left by state and federal ending housing disparities and King, Jr.’s actions in Frankfort for civil laws. reducing poverty. That kind of long- rights. It was an inspiring moment, Since 1999, six municipalities have term commitment by government with thousands of Kentuckians passed their own LGBT Fairness and business leaders and citizens still pushing forward the fight for protections—Covington, Frankfort, is an important part of what lies true Fairness and equity in our Lexington, Louisville, Morehead, and ahead in rooting out the vestiges of commonwealth. discrimination and making Louisville the tiny Appalachian town of Vicco. Together, we called on our state’s home for us all.” Last year, the number of Kentucky General Assembly to finally cities with Fairness ordinances Louisville’s current segregation is pass a bill that would end the doubled, and state leaders finally a legacy of past policies spanning shameful, racist practice of voter began to pay attention. decades. Having action steps to disenfranchisement against former further fair housing that takes us out felons in Kentucky who have served As the 2014 Kentucky General twenty years is the right framework their time. Assembly convened, the number of for the future for Louisville. There cosponsors on Statewide Fairness But we didn’t stop there. Many of are immediate action steps to take, laws nearly doubled, adding even us marched straight through the but there must be a long-term Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo capitol building into the capitol commitment. to the 18 representatives and six annex, where the Kentucky House senators currently signed on to There are two action steps I believe Judiciary Committee held its historic Fairness. are real ‘game changers’: first-ever hearing on a Statewide • Making fair housing a Fairness law. Sadly, it’s still not enough. While a hearing on the bill was granted mandatory lens for review of Most Kentuckians don’t realize that this session, it was for information all actions by all parts of Metro in almost all of our state, someone only, meaning the law will have to government can still be fired from a job, denied wait another year or more before a place to live, and kicked out of • The development and utilization it receives a committee vote and restaurant just for being lesbian, gay, of a market analysis to assess begins moving along the arduous bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). housing demand by area of the journey through the full legislature city, type of housing, price/rental Before last month, Kentucky’s to the governor’s desk. points needed and connection leaders had remained silent on Just as Kentucky cities have stepped to job centers. the issue of Fairness for more than up to fill the current discrimination fifteen years, denying a debate on protection gaps, state and federal

7 agencies have spoken up as well, mostly in the area of fair housing. Covington Human Fair Housing Last year, both the U.S. Dept. of Rights to make strides in KY Housing and Urban Development and the Kentucky Housing fair housing By Juan Peña Corporation decreed that any Field Supervisor housing unit receiving state or recommendations Kentucky Commission on Human Rights federal funding must comply with to city discrimination protections that As fair housing partners reflect include sexual orientation and By John C.K. Fisher and reaffirm the commitment to gender identity—a huge move for Northern Kentucky Field Supervisor further fair housing in Kentucky Fairness! Kentucky Commission on Human Rights during National Fair Housing month in April, it is important to note the The Kentucky Commission on The Covington Human Rights advances made to ensure that Human Rights itself was among Commission scheduled a every person is free from housing the first to make its voice heard meeting on March 27, to make discrimination. In the past few in support of LGBT protections, recommendations for the City years, rules, policies and ordinances issuing resolutions for more than of Covington Home Investment have been established to close some six years asking the legislature to Partnership Program, which of the loopholes that exist in current pass a law protecting all those in our receives federal Housing and Urban fair housing laws. commonwealth regardless of who Development (HUD) funding to they are or whom they love. In October 2010, the U. S. Dept. of improve the city’s infrastructure and Housing and Urban Development Recent polling shows that 83% housing stock. (HUD) ruled that “residents who are of registered Kentucky voters Natalie Gardner, the programs denied or evicted from housing as (including 77% of registered and strategic projects manager for a result of domestic violence may Kentucky Republicans) support the City of Covington, attended have basis to file a discrimination these simple anti-discrimination the Covington Human Rights complaint with HUD under the Fairness laws for our state. Commission regular meeting on federal Fair Housing Act” on the Kentuckians get it, the Kentucky March 6 to discuss the program, basis of sex. The U. S. Bureau of Commission on Human Rights which is a 5-year plan to create Justice reports that 85% of victims of gets it, and even Vicco, the small affordable housing, reduce barriers domestic violence are women. This Appalachian community of for people with disabilities and indicates that any policy that may 334 people, gets it—when will improve streets and roads in the city. appear neutral but has a disparate Kentucky’s General Assembly get impact or disproportionately affects that Fairness is good for everyone? The City of Covington will be holding more public hearings about victims of domestic violence, there As part of this year’s Fair its 5-year strategic housing plan. The may be grounds for a housing Housing Month, let’s make it the city also worked with the Kentucky complaint. As long the victim responsibility of each and every Commission on Human Rights last wishes to stay in the unit and able fair-minded Kentuckian to call on year to hold public hearings to allow to pay rent, the victim should not be their Senator and Representative at residents to know their rights to evicted. 1.800.372.7181 to voice support for obtain fair housing under federal On March 5, 2012, HUD put into Kentucky’s Statewide Fairness law! and state programs. Covington effect a rule that ensures equal The Fairness Coalition includes has also received information access to housing in HUD’s programs the ACLU-KY, Fairness Campaign, on its HUD program from the regardless of sexual orientation, Kentucky Commission on Human Northern Kentucky University gender Identity or marital status. Rights, and Lexington Fairness. Center for Economic Analysis and The rule is known as the HUD LGBT Development. Rule. It prohibits entities receiving funds from HUD to discriminate against a person on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. This includes HUD insured mortgage programs such

8 as Federal Housing Administration a person on the basis of sexual Louisville Metro area. MHC has (FHA) loans. This rule is enforceable orientation or gender identity, with produced reports and challenges by HUD. the exceptions of Jefferson County, the public to look at fair housing At the state level, the Kentucky Fayette County, and Covington. from different lenses. It reports Commission on Human Rights Recently Morehead, Frankfort and that inaccessible transportation, created the Kentucky Fair Housing Vicco have passed ordinances to employment, and other vital Task force in 2011. This is a group prohibit discrimination in housing services are impediments to fair of housing providers, advocates, on the basis of sexual orientation housing. and fair housing enforcement and gender identity. Vicco is said The major steps taken by HUD, agencies in all levels of government. to be the smallest city in the nation the Kentucky Commission on The group works collectively to to adopt such an ordinance. On Human Rights, the Kentucky advance fair housing in all areas March 5, 2014 the Kentucky General Housing Corporation, and other and populations in Kentucky and Assembly held hearing on a bill that organizations, are significant strides looks into “impediments currently will amend the Kentucky Civil Rights to eradicate housing discrimination. hampering fair housing efforts Act to include sexual orientation and The momentum to close gaps in fair across Kentucky.” gender identity as a protected class. housing laws is strengthening. The Kentucky Fairness Campaign, a The Kentucky Housing Corporation civic organization, and the Kentucky (KHC), a quasi-government housing Fairness Coalition, of which the agency and a recipient of HUD Kentucky Commission on Human Domestic violence funding, has adopted to its policy Rights is a member, have been the LGBT Rule. The policy reads, leading forces in bringing about victims may enter “All programs administered by fairness ordinances in cities and in the ‘Address KHC must demonstrate that they the general assembly. do not discriminate based upon Confidentiality sexual orientation, gender identity, The 20 city and county government or marital status, or will risk loss of human rights commissions across Program’ funding.” It further states that this the state have been the towers of policy was necessary in order to the fair housing campaign. Their The Address Confidentiality Program comply with its federal obligation to education and outreach programs (ACP) was introduced on March 25 “affirmatively further fair housing” have educated thousands of by the Office of Secretary of State and it became effective on August Kentucky residents about their Allison Lundergan Grimes to shield 30, 2012. The policy affects directly rights and responsibilities under from public record the name and 350 housing organizations across fair housing laws. The Lexington address of a victim of domestic Kentucky. They include most if not Human Rights Commission and the violence or sexual assault (and other all Kentucky housing authorities. Louisville Metro Human Relations specified offenses). KHC has also recommended its Commission regularly hosts forums and trainings. The website says, “No eligible voter funding organizations to use the should be discouraged from voting Uniform Residential Landlord and Non-government organizations out of fear for his or her safety, or Tenant Act (URLTA) (KRS 383) as have also played an important the safety of his or her children. But a reference in their lease. The role in advancing fair housing. because voter records are generally URLTA provides balanced rights For example, The Lexington Fair available to the public, many victims and responsibilities for tenants Housing Council has stepped up do not register to vote because and landlords and provides equal its fair housing testing. This is the they fear the perpetrators of the housing opportunity. URLTA only agency that conducts fair crimes against them would be is a state law that gives local housing testing in Kentucky. Its able to determine their addresses, governments the authority to testing program has deterred some compromising their security. choose whether or not to adopt housing discrimination. Another the provisions. About 18 cities and key organization is the Louisville “The Address Confidentiality counties have adopted the law. Metro Housing Coalition (MHC). Program (ACP), makes it possible Housing providers that do not This organization has been the back for these individuals no longer receive funds from HUD or KHC bone in bringing to the surface have to make the impossible choice may lawfully deny housing to the status of fair housing in the between their safety and exercising

9 the fundamental right to vote. The following article, titled, “Making based on the policy priorities of Progress for our Nation’s Families,” the Opening Doors plan to prevent “Two categories of people are was published by the U.S. Dept. Of and end homelessness. Since 2010, eligible to participate in the ACP: Housing and Urban Development family homelessness has decreased “1. Those who have a current (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan, on by 10.7 percent. emergency protective order or March 24: “Last year, HUD graduated 3,400 domestic violence order under KRS [HUD is a partner of the interagency families from the Family Self- Chapter 403 entity, the White Housing Council Sufficiency (FSS) program. This on Women and Girls. “...The council means they were free of welfare “2. Victims of a specified offense, is charged with ensuring there is a assistance and employed. Over including domestic violence and coordinated effort between federal 90 percent of FSS participants are abuse, stalking, a sex crime, or a agencies of policies and programs female-headed households, 33 crime against a minor victim) in an that impact women and families. percent of graduates no longer ongoing criminal case or a criminal needed rental assistance, and 15 case that resulted in a conviction “...HUD serves as a safety net for vulnerable women and girls, percent went on to purchase a “To become a participant, the whether they are living with HIV/ home. eligible individual (or someone AIDS or living in shelters for victims “HUD has also aggressively authorized on his or her behalf) of abuse. Providing them with investigated and resolved cases must complete the ACP Application. physical and emotional safety, HUD where women experienced Hard copies are available from works hard to place women and lending discrimination for being the Secretary of State and county girls in transitional housing, public pregnant or on parental leave. In clerks’ offices, as well as through housing and rental housing, where 2013 alone, HUD settled 28 cases authorized assistance agencies. they will experience a continuum of obtaining almost $300,000 for 43 Applications must be submitted to care ranging from substance abuse complainants. Thanks to HUD’s the Secretary of State office.” counseling, to financial literacy efforts, some of the country’s largest classes to job training. lenders have changed their policies If the applicant is granted “Through the Continuum of Care and practices on maternity leave certification to participate in the lending. program, he or she will be allowed grant competition, HUD has to vote via mail-in absentee ballot, awarded $46.7 million to continue Call for Nominations and the person’s name and address 349 projects that predominately will not be included on any publicly serve victims of domestic violence 2014 KY Civil available voter records. Certification as well as an additional $2.6 million lasts for two years, unless it to support 28 new projects. All these Rights Hall of is canceled or the participant projects provide much needed withdraws before the expiration housing and services for victims of Fame domestic violence. date. Certification can be renewed Nominations will be accepted before the expiration date. “In 2013, HUD was able to expand beginning Tuesday, April 15, for the housing protections for victims of 2014 Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of All forms for the ACP program are domestic violence thanks to the Fame. The induction ceremony is available at the website, or contact Reauthorization of the Violence tentatively scheduled for October the Secretary of State’s office to have Against Women Act. This allowed 2014. The date and location will be copies emailed or mailed. There HUD to make necessary changes announced as soon as possible. is no cost to apply or participate. and begin alerting the public of how Call (844) 292-KACP for more the changes will impact tenants and The nomination form may be found information and assistance, or send housing providers in HUD-assisted on the agency website at www.kchr. an email to: [email protected]. housing and shelters. ky.gov. For more information, call “While ensuring victims of domestic Cynthia Fox at 502.782.9726. HUD program to violence don’t end up homeless, The Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of protect women HUD is also continuing to identify Fame was established in 2000 to best practices, share guidance and recognize brave men and women and girls award funding to communities who have been leaders in the

10 struggle for equality and justice in most noted civil rights activists Also, the women’s commission the Commonwealth of Kentucky. exploring major milestones in inducted Marie Caldwell Humphries Inductees have worked to end the in the into the Kentucky Women discrimination in several areas. Commonwealth. Remembered exhibit. She served as first chair of the women’s As examples, they have fought The Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of commission. for desegregation of schools and Fame Oral History Project is made public accommodations; they have possible by a partnership between The documentary subject matter pushed for civil rights legislation UK Libraries’ Louie B. Nunn Center will largely involve material from and equal opportunity in education, for Oral History, the UK Office of the exhibit that began in 1978 and employment and housing; and, they Community Engagement and the consists of watercolor portraits have given of their time, resources, Kentucky Commission on Human depicting outstanding women in and service toward efforts that Rights. Kentucky history. The women’s challenged and changed old, unjust commission unveils new portraits philosophies and systems. Thus far, 10 inductees of the Hall to be added to the exhibit during of Fame have been interviewed Women’s History Month each March. The Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of for the oral history project: Raoul Fame is designed to raise public Cunningham, Dolores Delahanty, With the induction of Humphries, awareness about human rights John Johnson, Mattie Jones, George the capitol exhibit has nearly 70 issues and to foster an environment Logan, Edgardo Mansilla, Charles portraits of outstanding women in for discussion and education Neblett, P.G. Peeples, Suzy Post Kentucky. regarding Kentucky civil rights and Georgia Davis Powers. Another history and ongoing challenges. five oral history interviews will be completed and added this year to After the inaugural 2000 event, the collection. inductions were held again in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2012. Most of the induction ceremonies Women’s Commission to have occurred in Louisville. However, in 2005, the event was make documentary, held in Frankfort at Kentucky State inducts Humphries University, at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights in to KY Women September 2007, and at the Lyric Kentucky Women Remembered honoree Marie Remembered Caldwell Humphries (Graphic by KY Commission Theatre in Lexington in 2012. Based on information published on Women) Since the inaugural event, 132 by the Kentucky Commission on Humphries was appointed by Gov. people have been inducted into the Women: In celebration of the Louie Nunn in 1969 and was a Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame; 50th anniversary of the Kentucky well-known advocate for the Equal 22 in 2000, 16 in 2001, 14 in 2003, 14 Commission on Women, the Rights Amendment and other issues in 2005, 21 in 2007, 31 in 2010, and Kentucky Commission on Women relating to gender equity. She was 14 in 2012. Foundation received a $100,000 grant from Toyota to complete the described in a 1969 newspaper production of a one-hour public editorial as “going about the UK Civil Rights television-style documentary commonwealth stirring up delusions Hall of Fame Oral based on the contributions women of grandeur among the ladies of the have made to the growth and Bluegrass.” History Project development of the state. Humphries attended her induction ceremony and spoke briefly: The following was provided by the The documentary, devoted to the Libraries: On women, will air “Gov. Nunn was hopeful that the March 5, the University of Kentucky on public television and will be sent existence of the commission would announced a new collection of oral to schools across the state as an allow women to play a larger role in histories with many of the state’s educational tool. the growth of Kentucky,” she said. 11 Kentucky Commission On Human Rights 332 West Broadway, Suite 700 Louisville, Kentucky 40202 ALL DOORS ARE OPEN IN KENTUCKY

To file a complaint contact: Kentucky Commission on Human Rights 332 West Broadway, 14th Floor Louisville, Kentucky 40202 1-800-292-5566 www.kchr.ky.gov