Professor Michael Seng (center, second row) is surrounded by college students participating in the Fair Housing Internship Program.
Raising awareness through education is the goal of the Fair Housing Internship Program at The John Marshall Law School, now training 16 college students in fair housing law.
The program was so successful in its first year that the Fair Housing Legal Support Center funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was renewed for a second time this 2012-2013 academic year.
Professor Michael Seng, co-executive director of the Center, sees the program as a tool to expand the base of those who know the importance of fair housing and fair lending obligations. He has shared his expertise with hundreds of law students and community leaders during the past 20 years, but this program has enabled the Center to reach a new demographic.
Tiffany Hughes (JD ’12), the program manager, said, “We recognize that the average age of those dedicated to working in the realm of fair housing is 55 years old and up. We need to educate the younger generation about what fair housing law is and what they can do to get involved. That’s why we’ve focused on college students who can carry the message back to their communities and hopefully educate others.”
Hughes credits the Fair Housing Legal Clinic at John Marshall with instilling in her the passion and dedication to tackle the issue. She spent three semesters at the clinic as a student, was a scholarship recipient and after graduation continued working for Professor F. Willis Caruso, co-executive director of the Center.
In the fall 2012 semester, Hughes worked weekly with 15 students selected for their commitment and interest in fair housing law. Hughes is working with 16 students this semester.
These students, from varied backgrounds and pursuing different majors, are enrolled at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Robert Morris University, Lewis University, Wheaton College, Truman College, South Suburban College, East-West University, Joliet Junior College, Concordia University-Chicago, College of Lake County, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Triton College, Lake Forest College, Dominican University, Northeastern Illinois University, the University of St. Francis and Roosevelt University. In addition to taking the Fair Housing Law class, students are interning at organizations and agencies that deal with housing issues, including HUD; Illinois Department of Human Rights; The John Marshall Fair Housing Legal Clinic; HOPE Fair Housing Center; Latin United Community Housing Association; and the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.
“Sometimes they are surprised by what they learn because they may not have recognized the circumstances as a problem,” she said.
“We’re not restricting the program just to undergraduates who are interested in attending law school or any one particular major. Fair housing plays a significant role in all majors and professions,” Hughes said. “For example, this semester we have students in architecture, social work, psychology and accounting at their respective colleges and universities.”
