Since we hold that every human being is worthy of respect and believe that the possibilities for good in him are affected by the nature of his relationships to other people and the community in which they live, we find that certain housing practices and policies now current are unethical. We note inequities in access to housing in our communities and wish to state our conviction that prejudice which leads to acts of discrimination or segregation based upon the race, religion or national origin of individuals is abhorrent to an ethical and democratic society. Such acts hurt both the individuals involved and the community as a whole. They harm individuals by denying them freedom of association, preventing their adequate housing, and denying their dignity as human beings. It hurts the community by creating tensions and hostilities between groups. Segregation and discrimination in housing resulting from prejudice is especially damaging since it sets patterns for relationships in education, recreation, religion and many other activities.

For these reasons the American Ethical Union declares itself against bias in housing and for integrated housing as a fundamental ethical principle.

The AEU calls upon individual members and member Societies to study this Statement of Principles and to implement it by means of education. Members are urged to use their influence on the policies of the housing industry and the administrative agencies and legislative bodies of our municipal State and Federal Governments in order to eliminate discrimination and segregation in housing.

* Table of Contents says "Declares"-- RBR

Source: Whereas ... 1962

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