DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | University of Iowa Committee on Human Rights policies, 1958-1986 | 1964-08-11 Dean Ted McCarrel to Professor Richard Lloyd-Jones Page 4

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University of Iowa Committee on Human Rights policies, 1958-1986

1964-08-11 Dean Ted McCarrel to Professor Richard Lloyd-Jones Page 4

3.

III 11 Negative

Each of these householders was interviewed by Mr. Rhatigan subsequent to Mr. Birtcher's negative evaluation. Six of the eleven were removed from the approved list, with the concurrence of the Executive Dean Student Services, and the Dean of Students. Five withdrew their names voluntarily. 

Conclusions

1. There is some discrimination against the Negro student; approximately 95 out of 125 householders would rent equally to a Negro; 19 might or might not rent to him; 11 householders were removed from the approved registry. 

2. "Only 1.5 per cent of Iowa City population are non-white; the chance that the average citizen will be confronted with a decision to sell or to rent houses or apartments to non-whites is very low. Therefore, hardly any residents of Iowa City has any deep convinctions, etc." 
(Press-Citizen report, Human Relations Commission, June 11, 1964)
This is the feeling of most people interviewed. There is no "Deep South" type of prejudice in the Iowa City area. 

3. A Negro student, in the opinion of this writer, should have no difficulty in finding a place to rent among the approved householders; but, he should realize also that his actions and behavior will be watched by the householders who are unfamiliar with non white persons, who are formulating opinions, etc. He should "set a good example" most of them do. 

4. A fair housing ordinance would be of value to the University in providing enforcement procedures for householders who categorically discriminate. Referral of cases to the City would be especially useful in the case of graduate facilities, as the University lacks the tools necessary for dealing with discrimination in this type of housing. 

Respectfully submitted

J.W. Birtcher

JWB:ds

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3. III 11 Negative Each of these householders was interviewed by Mr. Rhatigan subsequent to Mr. Birtcher's negative evaluation. Six of the eleven were removed from the approved list, with the concurrence of the Executive Dean Student Services, and the Dean of Students. Five withdrew their names voluntarily. Conclusions 1. There is some discrimination against the Negro student; approximately 95 out of 125 householders would rent equally to a Negro; 19 might or might not rent to him; 11 householders were removed from the approved registry. 2. "Only 1.5 per cent of Iowa City population are non-white; the chance that the average citizen will be confronted with a decision to sell or to rent houses or apartments to non-whites is very low. Therefore, hardly any residents of Iowa City has any deep convinctions, etc." (Press-Citizen report, Human Relations Commission, June 11, 1964) This is the feeling of most people interviewed. There is no "Deep South" type of prejudice in the Iowa City area. 3. A Negro student, in the opinion of this writer, should have no difficulty in finding a place to rent among the approved householders; but, he should realize also that his actions and behavior will be watched by the householders who are unfamiliar with non white persons, who are formulating opinions, etc. He should "set a good example" most of them do. 4. A fair housing ordinance would be of value to the University in providing enforcement procedures for householders who categorically discriminate. Referral of cases to the City would be especially useful in the case of graduate facilities, as the University lacks the tools necessary for dealing with discrimination in this type of housing. Respectfully submitted J.W. Birtcher JWB:ds