Civil Rights Tester

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Testers are needed to help investigate Civil Rights violations in Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Shiawassee, and Washtenaw Counties.

The FHC is seeking individuals to assist in the investigation of housing discrimination complaints ("testing"). "Testers" pose as home seekers in a variety of housing rental and sales situations. Hours vary and are flexible, though most testing takes place during normal business hours. Attention to details is a must. Access to personal transportation is helpful, but not required.

The FHC has an especially high need for Black and white men to serve as testers. We are always recruiting African, Black, Asian, White, and Latino/a/x people of all genders and ages. We also need people who use a wheelchair.

For more information, including directions on how to apply, please visit our website at: https://www.fhcmichigan.org/get-involved/civil-rights-tester/

What is a Tester?
As a tester you are playing the role of a home seeker - a person who is looking for a housing unit in which to live. Testers must be objective, careful observers, accurate reporters, and truthful witnesses. Besides visiting many interesting homes and apartment complexes, you may have an opportunity to serve as a witness in a court case. Most importantly, you become a key part of the FHC’s efforts to end discrimination in housing.

What is Testing?
Testing is a term that refers to a process of checking the housing market to determine the nature and extent of discriminatory treatment accorded different home seekers. Testers take careful notes of what transpires.

Why Testing?
The testing process has been consistently supported by federal courts as a legitimate,
necessary, and often the only method available to identify practices of unlawful housing
discrimination. Fair housing litigation filed with the help of the FHC has been based, in large part, on the evidence provided by FHC testers. Both the sworn oral testimony and the actual written reports of testers are routinely accepted by courts as evidence of discriminatory conduct by a defendant.