Tomorrow, the Madison city council is holding the long-awaited Section 8 vote and hearing. Originally, the council planned on tackling the vote this past spring, but because of controversy and setbacks, it was postponed until now.
Section 8 created a voucher system for low-income people and families. It enabled people to find housing that satisfied their personal or family needs and also have financial assistance for that housing. The landlords then process the vouchers. The problem is that many Madison landlords do not accept Section 8 tenants. The current proposition before the City Council is to mandate that all Madison landlords accept Section 8 under all circumstances.
The landlords say that by accepting Section 8 vouchers they create hours of tedious paperwork for themselves. Yet, if one looks beyond this thinly veiled excuse, there is a much more unpleasant truth that waits.
The majority of people who depend on Section 8 are underrepresented such as the elderly, disabled and racial/ethnic minorities. By refusing to accept Section 8, landlords have crafted a flawless excuse for implementing prejudice. Not only does this generate and perpetuate individual discrimination, but it also segregates Madison by harsh racial lines.
Last Spring’s hearing was heated and packed. Community members filled the room to watch the divided council confront this litigious issue. Tomorrow’s hearing promises to create the same tense atmosphere. It is assumed that the issue will be decided upon then and not delayed any further.
The role of grassroots activism is crucial in passing Section 8, and as students we can play a role in creating equity within Madison housing. But whatever the reason, be it a full course load or apathy, few students become involved in community activism. Many wonder how their single voice could be heard in the greater political arena.
The catch is that if all those who felt that joined forces, real change would occur. Our desires would be met, because they could no longer be ignored. Look at the election of U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin. Everyone knows, especially Tammy, that because of an excellent campus turnout, she won and made history.
And more recently, when ASM considered removing Jennifer Epps and Emily McWilliams from their positions as Diversity Chair and Vice Chair respectively, hundreds of students came together and demanded to be heard. Because of the student testimonies and resistance, the ASM representatives that crafted the two bills crumbled before the crowd Thursday night.
Our voices need to and will be heard. As a student body and as a community, we cannot accept this form of racism and discrimination. Is it not 2002? Why do we still have to confront issues such as segregated cities and prejudice? The response is not so much of an answer as more of an action. While we are facing this issue, we have to insist upon equal rights in every realm of society, including housing. Attend and testify at the Section 8 hearing tomorrow at the City-County Building.
Lauren Besser ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in political science and English and is the vice president of Wisconsin NOW.
