SJC Exchange Library

A 1988 law known as the Thurmond Amendment removed federal Fair Housing Act protections from individuals with drug distribution convictions, allowing landlords to deny housing based solely on such past offenses. This policy affects an estimated 3 million people in the U.S., regardless of their qualifications as tenants or the age of their convictions. The Prison Policy Initiative highlights the challenges this poses for individuals with criminal records, emphasizing that stable housing is crucial for successful reintegration and public safety.