Michael A. Stoops Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2017
Introduced: July 11, 2017
Co-introducers: Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau, Mary Cheh, and Robert White
Summary: To amend the Human Rights Act of 1977 to protect individuals experiencing homelessness from discrimination.
Councilmember Grosso's Introduction Statement:
Today, along with my colleagues Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau, Robert White, and Mary Cheh, I am introducing the Michael A. Stoops Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2017.
Virtually all homeless people experience some form of discrimination.
A 2014 survey conducted by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) and George Washington University found that out of 142 individuals experiencing homelessness, 132 claimed they had been discriminated against because of their homeless status.
Discrimination on the basis of homelessness runs rampant throughout our city- from law enforcement to private businesses, medical and social services.
Therefore this bill amends the Human Rights Act of 1977 to add homelessness as a protected class to help eradicate discrimination for individuals experiencing homelessness in employment, in places of public accommodation, in educational institutions, in public service, and in housing and commercial space.
The bill is aptly named the Michael A. Stoops Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2017 to honor the life and legacy of a person who was a long-time advocate for the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness and a tireless warrior for overcoming income inequality.
During his 67 years of life, Michael was able to accomplish many great things on behalf of individuals experiencing homelessness.
In the 1980s, he help founded the National Coalition for the Homeless.
He also fasted and slept on the street in order to pressure Congress to pass the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law that provides funding for homeless shelter programs, and is the primary piece of federal legislation related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Later, he pushed the standards of living for homeless people by organizing over 100,000 people to join the “End Homelessness Now! Rally”.
In the 1990s, Michael co-found the North American Street Newspaper Association (or “NASNA”). NASNA is a nonprofit trade association of street newspapers that helps to support 110 papers in 40 countries, including our own local newspaper, Street Sense, where Michael served on the board from 2003 to 2014.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 2015. Michael suffered a massive stroke, which caused him to be wheelchair bound and unable to speak. However, he still remained dedicated to his life’s mission until he passed away earlier this year.
Passing this legislation will help eliminate discrimination against homeless people simply because they are homeless.