Despite a recent study indicating little housing discrimination in the State College Borough, several student leaders spoke out last night in favor of an all-inclusive fair housing ordinance.
"We should oppose discrimination of our fellow citizens," said Undergraduate Student Government President Mark Stewart.
The marital status, student status and sexual orientation of residents are not protected against discrimination, Stewart said. An all-inclusive fair housing ordinance must be passed to prevent obstacles for residents in their pursuit of housing.
A Fair Housing Analysis, conducted for the past several months by the Diana T. Myers and Associates Housing and Development Consultants from Glenside, is aimed at uncovering any obstacles individuals face in obtaining housing in the Centre Region.
The study found no significant instances of widespread discrimination in the region, Myers said, but rather, the high cost of housing is perhaps the biggest impediment in housing choices.
"Discrimination is very difficult to document," she said. "Many people do not know they've been discriminated against."
Myers said she uncovered only two official complaints of housing discrimination in the past five years.
Sexual orientation, color, student status and marital status were among the most likely bases for discrimination, Myers said. The least likely bases include religion, sex and pregnancy.
But Stewart said no matter how many cases are documented in the study, borough officials cannot delay action on the issue.
"Is the median that goes across College Avenue going to become a line of discrimination?" he asked.
Mike Gillespie, USG Governmental Relations Committee chairman, announced that the USG Senate considers the analysis results accurate, and urged the passage of an all-inclusive fair housing ordinance.
"Discrimination of any kind is detrimental to a community," Gillespie said.
Organization for Town Independent Students President Nichol Barlett and University Student Trustee E. J. Shaffer both echoed the comments.
Since not all students are under 24 years old, Barlett suggested focusing more on residents' age, rather than student status in an ordinance.
A final copy of the study is expected in about 10 days. The report will be presented to the State College Borough Council in early December.
