University of Indianapolis presents interactive “Unwelcomed” exhibit and invites all to reflect on neighborhoods and discrimination
The University of Indianapolis today unveiled the interactive exhibit “Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination.” The exhibit, located on the second floor of Krannert Memorial Library on campus, is a partnership between UIndy’s Department of Sociology and the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI). Faculty, staff, students and the general public are encouraged to visit and reflect on the impact systemic barriers in housing have had in shaping today’s neighborhoods in our community.
“Even in a ‘free’ country like the United States, fair housing remains an out-of-reach idea and ideal,” said Colleen Wynn, associate professor of sociology at the University of Indianapolis, as well as the co-director of the Community Research Center. “Sales and lending discrimination still happens every day because of issues of color and race, issues of disability and sexuality, issues of families and criminal background—and it has likely happened to you or someone you love. It is vital for people to educate themselves about this topic so we can make our neighborhoods and our cities a better place.”
The interactive exhibit explores various aspects of fair housing that continue to shape today’s neighborhoods, including topics like redlining, blockbusting, steering and racial covenants. It also looks at new forms of overt and covert discrimination including reverse redlining, appraisal discrimination, zoning restrictions and reverse mortgages.
The exhibit will remain on display at Krannert Memorial Library from Aug. 30 to Sept. 26, where it will be open to the public during the library’s normal operating hours which are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The library’s hours are also posted here.
There is also a discussion on housing discrimination regarding history, current issues and local efforts featuring Erika Fotsch, the director of education and outreach at FHCCI on Monday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. Fotsch will speak about historical and contemporary housing discrimination in Indianapolis and around the United States, as well as what the Fair Housing Center is doing to fight these issues.
WHAT: Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales & Lending Discrimination exhibit
WHERE: Krannert Memorial Library, Second Floor
WHEN: Aug. 30 – Sept. 26, during library operating hours
SPECIAL EVENT: Discussion on Housing Discrimination with FHCCI’s Erika Fotsch on Sept. 16 at 2 p.m.