Categories:
Discrimination
Case Study
You own and run subsidized housing and recently several renters have been complaining about being exposed to secondhand smoke. The renters say that the secondhand smoke is bad for their health and makes it harder to manager their physical and mental disabilities. They want you to make the building smoke free. You understand that secondhand smoke can be unhealthy and are working to limit exposure to secondhand smoke in the building. New renters have a no-smoking clause in their lease. You move some renters who smoke into different units further away from the non-smokers. You put notices up for no-smoking zones around the building and you follow up to make sure these zones are kept smoke-free. You make a rule that anyone working at the building is not allowed to smoke on the property. You get some quotes for a new ventilation system for the building. It turns out to be too expensive for this fiscal year, but you make a plan to replace it in the future. In the meantime, you have the existing ventilation system cleaned and maintained so it is working as best it can.
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Are you meeting your responsibilities under the Code?
Yes, you are meeting your responsibilities under the Code. You are taking seriously the complaint the renters have brought forward and their request for accommodation. You are recognizing the impact on their disabilities, which are a part of their identities protected by the Code, and you are working to accommodate them by limiting their exposure to secondhand smoke. You are exploring options such as by getting quotes for a new ventilation system.