Opportunity Denied

At 18, Yusuf Dahl was convicted of drug distribution. In the ensuing 25 years he built a successful career as a software developer, created a thriving low-income housing company, earned his master’s degree from Princeton University, and launched a real estate entrepreneurship program for at-risk young adults. He was even featured on Good Morning America as an example of someone who “overcame the odds.” Despite these achievements, he was denied housing in 2022 because of his conviction.

The Thurmond Amendment singles out drug distribution convictions to deny thousands of Americans second chances and access to housing every year.

“Housing is not a luxury; it is vital to community safety and individual opportunity. Denying a home to those looking for a second chance is counterproductive. When someone has paid their debt to society, the next step is letting them return and rebuild. But by singling these individuals out for discrimination, the Thurmond Amendment actually prevents that and, in effect, allows a prison sentence to continue long after is has officially ended. If we want to reduce crime, we must reduce the circumstances that contribute to it. That means ending the Thurmond Amendment and creating pathways to opportunity, not cycles of incarceration.”

Apartment Industry Support:

- Chelsea Moore, PhD, Policy Manager at Dream.Org

“Repealing the Thurmond Amendment would treat drug distribution convictions similarly to most other criminal violations, allowing for a more uniform approach to criminal records screening in rental decisions. This would also eliminate the need for a patchwork of confusing state and local Fair Housing laws to address this issue.

Good renters deserve options in the rental market that align with their family’s needs and wants. If a tenant qualifies for an apartment based on income, rental, and credit history, they should not be denied housing simply because of a conviction from decades ago”