Shelley vs. Kraemer and Fair Housing

The video discusses the history of restrictive covenants in the US, which prevented people of certain races from buying homes. It follows the story of JD and Eil Shell, who faced these challenges in the 1930s. With the help of realtor James T Bush, they devised a plan to purchase a home, risking legal consequences. Their case eventually reached the Supreme Court, which ruled against enforcing restrictive covenants in 1948. This landmark decision paved the way for the Fair Housing Act of 1968, promoting equal housing opportunities for all races and religions.

What was the main purpose of restrictive covenants before the 1940s?

• To promote community development

• To ensure homes were sold at a fair price

• To prevent the sale of homes to people of certain races

• To regulate the architectural style of homes

What challenge did JD and Eil Shell face when trying to buy a home?

• High property taxes

• Lack of available homes

• Restrictive covenants preventing them from purchasing

• Unfavorable mortgage rates

How did James T. Bush help the Shells acquire a home?

• By filing a lawsuit against the covenants

• By providing them with a loan

• By arranging for a white woman to buy the house for them

• By negotiating with the neighbors

What was the risk involved in the plan devised by James T. Bush and others?

• Increased property taxes

• Financial loss

• Loss of reputation

• Criminal charges if caught

What legal action did the Shells' neighbors take after they moved in?

• They reported them to the police

• They offered to buy the house from them

• They filed a lawsuit to enforce a restrictive covenant

• They welcomed them to the neighborhood

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case Shelley vs. Kraemer?

• Restrictive covenants were upheld

• Restrictive covenants were declared illegal

• The case was dismissed

• The Shells were forced to move out

What significant legislation was influenced by the Shelley vs. Kraemer case?

• The Voting Rights Act

• The Fair Housing Act of 1968

• The Civil Rights Act

• The Equal Pay Act

What does the Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibit?

• Zoning restrictions

• Unfair mortgage rates

• High property taxes

• Discrimination in housing

What broader impact did the success of Shelley vs. Kraemer have on society?

• It increased property values

• It led to the construction of more homes

• It reduced the number of lawsuits

• It allowed people of all races and religions to choose where to live