NewsBeat

621 Columbia Street Ext., Suite 100 Cohoes, NY 12047 www.nynewspapers.com This issue of 'NewBeat' was printed by PA New York Press Association Does your newspaper have a Fair Housing Policy? Every newspaper should adopt a Fair Housing policy statement. A copy of the statement along with a cover letter explaining the newspaper's commitment to adherence of the Fair Housing Act should be distributed to the newspaper's employees – especially classified advertising personnel. A sample policy statement follows: FAIR HOUSING LAWS: The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, leasing and financing of housing, as well as discriminatory advertising, on the basis of RACE, SEX, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, MENTAL or PHYSICAL HANDICAP, or FAMILIAL STATUS. These laws cover any potential or actual sale, lease, rental, eviction, price, terms, privileges or any service in relation to the sale of or use of housing. They not only prohibit advertisements which clearly restrict access to housing based on the protected categories, but also prohibit advertisements which indicate a preference for or against a person based on a protected category. In particular circumstances, use of colloquialisms, symbols or directions to real estate for sale or rent may indicate a discriminatory preference. It is the intent and goal of this newspaper to have each advertiser who wishes to place advertisements in the newspaper comply with the Fair Housing laws. Any advertisement which is perceived to contain language contrary to these laws will be rejected or changed to remove the offending reference. There may be situations where it is not clear whether particular language is objectionable. Such advertisements should be referred to a supervisor for consideration and determination. Under certain circumstances, advertisers may claim that because of the nature of the housing being advertised, they are not subject to the Fair Housing laws. Such claims are irrelevant for purposes of considering advertisements for publication in this newspaper. Every housing advertisement published in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing laws. The Fair Housing policy should be published in the classified section of the newspaper in every issue. We are in need of more editorial cartoonists! NYPA facilitates an editorial cartoon exchange for NYPA member newspapers. If you're an editorial cartoonist interested in having your artwork published in newspapers, please e-mail Jill@nynewspapers.com. Cartoonists will be paid $5 every time a cartoon is published, paid once a month. For more information, log onto nynewspapers.com and click on the "Editorial Cartoon" link.

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