HUD does look at it as a discrimination violation of they have a blanket policy.  They are supposed to look at it on a case by base basis.  The only ones that are excluded are sex offenders and arson. HUD and DOJ issued guidance on this and also the WA State AG is issues out violations on this.

________________________________________
From: fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org [fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org] on behalf of Allen Ratcliffe [alratcliffe@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 4, 2019 4:25 PM
To: fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org
Subject: Fwd: Homeless Coalition - Question

Refusing to rent to person with felony history does not violate basic anti discrimination law.

Al Ratcliffe

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Armstrong, Andreta <andreta.armstrong@ci.tacoma.wa.us<mailto:andreta.armstrong@ci.tacoma.wa.us>>
Date: Thu, Apr 4, 2019 at 2:10 PM
Subject: RE: Homeless Coalition - Question
To: Allen Ratcliffe <alratcliffe@gmail.com<mailto:alratcliffe@gmail.com>>

Al,

Guidance from the EEOC regarding “criminal record” discrimination is as follows:

The EEOC enforces Title VII, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Having a criminal record is not listed as a protected basis in Title VII. Therefore, whether a covered employer's reliance on a criminal record to deny employment violates Title VII depends on whether it is part of a claim of employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to reply to this message.

Andreta

From: Allen Ratcliffe [mailto:alratcliffe@gmail.com<mailto:alratcliffe@gmail.com>]
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2019 2:01 PM
To: Armstrong, Andreta
Subject: Fwd: Homeless Coalition - Question

Hi Andretta,

I assume that there are no laws prohibiting rental discrimination against people with felony histories, but I thought I had better check with your office before replying to this question.

Thanks for your help.

Al Ratcliffe

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Latisha Bones <Latisha.Bones@p-h-s.com<mailto:Latisha.Bones@p-h-s.com>>
Date: Thu, Apr 4, 2019 at 12:56 PM
Subject: Homeless Coalition - Question
To: fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org<mailto:fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org> <fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org<mailto:fullcoalition@list.pchomeless.org>>

Are there any laws about renting to those with felonies as far as discriminating against giving them a chance to rent, if they meet all requirements.   I have several folks as I know we all do, that have felonies that are 4 years old and older, they work every day, and have made great changes! Where is the support for those that are ready to get out of housing programs and rent on their own??  This can be a huge slap in the face for individuals that are trying to better their lives and be a part of a communities that once was  theirs, trying to work with a system that most say is broken but is working how it is supposed to in failing those that need  support and services the most!
Sorry not Sorry!

Latisha Bones | Vocational Case Manager
Pioneer Human Services | 253-272-5486
PioneerHumanServices.org<http://www.pioneerhumanservices.org/>
[cid:169eaa99481ad7999131]<https://www.facebook.com/pioneerwa>   [cid:169eaa9948111bfad142] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneer-human-services>    [cid:169eaa994817605c1153] <https://www.twitter.com/pioneerwa>    [cid:169eaa99481da4bd5164] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuGf99lQwbSXXObe9NlwrOQ>
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