What's Happening?
The Thurmond Amendment, passed in 1988, is a legislative carve-out of the Fair Housing Act that allows landlords to deny housing to applicants with any drug-related convictions. This policy, rooted in the War
on Drugs era, does not differentiate between violent and nonviolent offenses or the severity of the crime, leading to widespread exclusion from housing opportunities. The amendment disproportionately affects Black Americans, who were heavily targeted during the drug war, and continues to exacerbate the housing affordability crisis by reducing access to housing for millions of people with old drug convictions. The amendment's impact is compounded by algorithmic screening software used by landlords, which often indiscriminately enforces these exclusions.
Why It's Important?
The Thurmond Amendment significantly contributes to the housing affordability crisis by shrinking the available housing supply for individuals with past drug convictions. This exclusion not only stigmatizes a subset of renters but also increases the cost and difficulty of securing housing, as affected individuals face repeated application fees and credit checks. The policy's disproportionate impact on Black communities highlights its structural racism, perpetuating economic and social inequalities. Addressing this issue is crucial for creating a fairer housing market and improving access to housing for marginalized groups, which is essential for reducing homelessness and enhancing community stability.
What's Next?
A growing coalition, including organizations like the Drug Policy Alliance and the National Housing Law Project, is advocating for the repeal of the Thurmond Amendment. These efforts aim to expand housing access, lower costs, and restore fairness without compromising public safety. Nonprofits and philanthropic organizations are encouraged to view housing affordability as an intersectional issue and to collaborate across sectors to address the amendment's harmful effects. Increased visibility and public education campaigns are essential for building momentum and political pressure to repeal the amendment and improve housing equity.
Beyond the Headlines
The Thurmond Amendment serves as a relic of the War on Drugs, reflecting outdated and racially charged policies that continue to influence housing access today. Its repeal would not only address a significant barrier to housing but also challenge the broader systemic issues of racial discrimination and economic inequality. By removing this exclusion, the U.S. can take a step towards a more equitable and just society, where housing access is based on current risk assessments rather than past prejudices.
