University of Virginia Library

Landlords May Practice
Discriminatory Policies

By TRISH PAYNE

Because of the lack of information
concerning off-Grounds housing at the
University, it is hard to acknowledge any
specific cases of discrimination against
black students. According to Gordon
Witcher, president of the Black Student
Alliance, there are two types of
discrimination practiced by landlords in
Charlottesville.

One type of discrimination is what
Mr. Witcher calls "overt racism", whereby a
landlord may refuse housing to a black student.
The other is due to a lack of written agreement
between a landlord and student. When there is
no written agreement; the landlord can easily
say that the apartment (or house) the student
wishes to rent is no longer vacant.

Mr. Witcher also stated that, "although I
can't substantiate it, I think prices are raised in
some cases." Because of the rise in costs of
student housing, this added expense can be
costly to the black student.

There are several areas of complaint for
cases of discrimination. Chriss Kerr,
co-chairman of the Student Council Equality
Committee, pointed out that the major
problem is due to an "operational definition."
He commented that "the place you are renting
may be a rip-off because you are black."

No Reported Problems

Mr. Kerr also said that the Student Council
has not been involved with any major problems
concerning discrimination this year. He said
that black students do not bring these problems
to the Student Council's attention. They find
other areas to take their complaints.

The Office of Housing has several areas of
control in these situations. According to Ralph
Main, director of housing, before a landlord's
name will be placed on the off-Grounds housing
list, the landlord must return a card describing
the accommodations he wishes to rent.

The landlord must also "certify to a
statement that they are in keeping with the
regulations of the University on
discrimination," which included all forms of
discrimination.

If he will not certify to this, his name will
be removed from the off-Grounds housing list.

Complaints

If a student does have a complaint of a case
of discrimination against him, he should take a
written statement of it to the housing
committee, where it will be checked. If
discriminatory practice is verified, the
landlord's name is no longer placed on the
housing list.

Annette Gibbs, dean of women and
chairman of the Housing Committee, said that
there were some difficulties with these cards last
year, but that at present there are no
difficulties.