PROVIDENCE – The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island is appealing a R.I. Superior Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of a Providence housing ordinance that prohibits more than three college students from living together in certain areas of the city.
The ordinance was passed in September 2015.
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The ACLU will argue before the state Supreme Court that the ordinance is discriminatory and ineffective at improving neighborhoods. The ruling the ACLU has challenged was decided in February. The lawsuit, FHC V. City of Providence was filed by ACLU cooperating attorneys Jeffrey L. Levy and Charles D. Blackman on behalf of an apartment owner and four tenants, all Johnson & Wales University students.
Levy stated Friday, “This case presents an important opportunity for the Supreme Court to show that Rhode Island’s Constitution reflects our values as a community. College students represent the future of our state, and we should not tolerate laws that discriminate against students or treat them as second-class citizens.”
More details of the lawsuit may be found at the ACLURI website.
Yes, college students are our future but most won’t be staying in the state. Meanwhile, those of us who live near college rentals (permanent residents who pay taxes) put up with excessive noise, parking on lawns, and property damage. Perhaps the building owners who rent to students should be more mindful of the impact on neighborhoods; just ask anyone who lives near PC.