Seeking to arm tenants with the knowledge to defend their rights, the Human Rights Commission (HRC) is teaming up with the ACLU of Oklahoma for a special training session. Set to occur during the HRC's upcoming meeting on March 26, Adam Hines of the ACLU will lead "Tenant Know Your Rights," an informative workshop aimed at addressing common housing issues. According to a recent announcement, the event will kick off bright and early at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall, inviting participants of all ages to dive into the complexities of tenant-landlord law.
Landlords, along with community members and renters, having one of the nation's highest eviction rates, are welcomed to attend the free event to glean insights on eviction processes, the legality of rent hikes, and other tenant concerns. Through his presentation, Hines - associated with the ACLU since achieving his Skadden Fellowship in 2023 - intends to clear the fog around queries like "When and how can my landlord evict me?" and "Does my landlord have to allow my service animal?"
Ward 2 HRC Commissioner Cindy Nguyen expresses her enthusiasm over this impending collaboration. "The HRC is excited to host the ACLU of Oklahoma, who will provide a Know Your Rights Training for Tenants," Nguyen said, as reported by the Oklahoma City website. She further hopes the training will "empower tenants to exercise their rights to advocate for fair and safe living conditions" in a region beleaguered by high eviction rates.
Before aligning with the ACLU of OK, one of Adam Hines' notable endeavors included a John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship with Still She Rises and researching Oklahoma's housing courts with the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation, seeking to alleviate housing inequities. Having served as an extern for the U.S. Court of Appeals Tenth Circuit's Hon. Judge Robert E. Bacharach, Hines brings a well-rounded perspective to this educational session. Not just renters but also landlords interested in understanding the law and ensuring fair practices can benefit from his knowledge and experience.
More details can be requested by contacting the HRC Compliance Officer at [email protected]. The Oklahoma City HRC, which hosts bi-monthly sessions, strives to mitigate discrimination based on various protected categories, including disability, race, and familial status, among others, focusing on employment, housing, and access to public accommodations consistent with state anti-discrimination laws.
