Since state legislatures and municipalities began passing residential exclusion laws in the 1990s, social scientists have studied whether such laws are effective at their stated aim of reducing rates of recidivistic sexual offending. This research has resoundingly concluded that not only do such laws fail to make any one safer, but they actually make communities less safe by increasing homelessness, unemployment, and social isolation. Nonetheless, many courts have still deferred to legislators who enact these discredited policies.

But there is reason to believe that the tide is turning. Courts that once rejected or ignored the evidence are taking a more searching look at the real motives for residential banishment laws and their real effects on the families that are subject to them.

This presentation will look at several recent court decisions that give us reason to hope and suggest ways that our movement can build on the evidence to continue our fight to reform these harmful laws.

Adele Nicholas is the executive director of Illinois Voices for Reform and a civil rights attorney based in Chicago. Since 2016, she has been litigating constitutional challenges to the harmful, permanent punishments, including housing banishment laws and registration schemes, that apply to persons who have been convicted of sexual offenses.

NARSOL is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization exclusively dedicated to defending the constitutional liberties of registered citizens and their families.NARSOL opposes dehumanizing registries and works to eliminate discrimination, banishment, and vigilantism against persons accused or convicted of sexual offenses through the use of impact litigation, public education, legislative advocacy, and media outreach in order to reintegrate and reconcile affected individuals and restore their constitutional rights.

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Adele Nicholas is a lawyer with a passion for social justice, particularly when it comes to housing rights. In a recent article, she discusses the signs of hope in litigating housing banishment laws.

Housing banishment laws, often referred to as nuisance ordinances, are local laws that target and penalize residents for alleged illegal activity on their property. These laws have been widely criticized for disproportionately impacting low-income and marginalized communities, as well as perpetuating housing insecurity and homelessness.

Adele Nicholas has been at the forefront of challenging these laws in court. In her article, she highlights the signs of progress and hope in the fight against housing banishment laws. One such sign is the growing recognition of these laws as a form of housing discrimination. By framing them as such, lawyers and advocates are able to build stronger legal arguments and gain traction in the courts.

Another sign of hope is the increasing public awareness and support for housing justice issues. As more stories of individuals and families impacted by housing banishment laws come to light, there is a growing momentum for change. Public outrage and advocacy efforts have put pressure on local governments to reexamine and reform these laws.

Adele Nicholas also points to successful legal challenges that have set important precedents. In some cases, courts have ruled in favor of plaintiffs, recognizing the discriminatory nature of housing banishment laws and ordering their repeal. These victories serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.

Additionally, there is a growing coalition of legal experts, housing advocates, and community organizers working together to challenge these laws. By combining their expertise and resources, they are able to mount more effective legal challenges and amplify the voices of those impacted by housing banishment laws.

Overall, Adele Nicholas remains optimistic about the progress being made in litigating housing banishment laws. She encourages others to join the fight and to continue advocating for housing justice and fair housing policies.

In conclusion, Adele Nicholas’ article provides a glimmer of hope in the ongoing struggle against housing banishment laws. Despite the many challenges, there are signs of progress and momentum that indicate the potential for meaningful change. By continuing to fight for housing justice, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and secure housing.