The Shelleys and the Right to Fair Housing

The video discusses the history of restrictive covenants in the US, which prevented people of certain races from buying homes. It highlights the story of J.D. and Ethel Shelley, who faced such discrimination but fought back, leading to a landmark Supreme Court case in 1948. The court ruled that enforcing restrictive covenants was illegal, paving the way for the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing. This case was crucial in ensuring fair and equal housing rights for all races and religions.

What were restrictive covenants primarily used for before the 1940s?

• To prevent the sale of homes to people of certain races

• To ensure homes were sold only to wealthy individuals

• To limit the number of homes built in a city

• To regulate the architectural style of neighborhoods

What was the main risk involved in the plan devised by James T. Bush to help the Shelleys?

• The Shelleys might lose their money

• The group could face criminal charges

• The house might be in poor condition

• The neighborhood might not accept them

Who filed a lawsuit against the Shelleys to enforce the restrictive covenant?

• The local government

• The previous homeowner

• Their neighbors, Louis and Fern Kraemer

• The real estate agency

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case involving the Shelleys?

• The Shelleys were forced to leave their home

• Restrictive covenants were upheld as legal

• Enforcing restrictive covenants was declared illegal

• The case was dismissed without a decision

How did the Shelley vs. Kraemer case influence housing laws in the US?

• It led to the creation of new zoning laws

• It resulted in higher property taxes

• It encouraged the development of more gated communities

• It contributed to the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968