Ypsilanti’s city council approved a resolution that created an ordinance to protect residents who have been convicted of misdemeanor crimes.
The new ordinance adds misdemeanor crime convictions to a class of actions protected from discrimination. The resolution was introduced after the city received complaints from residents who believed they were discriminated against when they applied for housing because of misdemeanor crimes on their records. Council Member Brian Jones-Chance represents the first ward.
Council Member Brian Jones-Chance: I think it’s important for us to recognize that folks who have essentially paid their debts to society as it were, are reintegrated as full citizens and have the rights and responsibilities that come with that.
The ordinance does include a clause that will not protect an individual if their conviction offense will create an unreasonable risk to property or safety.
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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu
