OSHKOSH, WI — The City of Oshkosh is considering expanding anti-discrimination rules in its housing ordinance.
City Council member Kris Larson wants to expand housing discrimination protection to include people with arrest and criminal convictions. Larson tried to help an employee of his business to rent an apartment. Both soon learned that potentital landlords could legally reject someone convicted of a crime.
Council member Karl Buelow shared his experience with one resident who, under other circumstances, would be an ideal tenant.
During a recent public hearing on the proposal, a woman with a past criminal conviction explained the roadblocks caused by check boxes asking whether a prospective tenant has a criminal history.
Deb Martin, with the Esther Organization, says legally allowing those with arrest records or convictions can be counterproductive to the public.
The Oshkosh Common Council directed the city attorney to further study the proposed housing discrimination ordinance changes.
