Chicago Tribune (CT) - FRIDAY, August 25, 1995 Edition: MCHENRY COUNTY Section: METRO MCHENRY Page: 2 Word Count: 628
Jon Hilkevitch, Tribune Staff Writer

Officials with the Illinois Department of Human Rights say they haven't faced a question like this before, but they say they will soon issue an opinion as a result of investigating Williams' complaint that Morton Grove officials have systematically "harassed" him by charging him with property-maintenance violations.

Williams alleged in his formal complaint that he's been hauled into Housing Court numerous times not as a result of the two-dozen old bicycles, used tires, garbage and assorted junk cluttering his residence, but because his daughter Whitney has AIDS.

The 13-year-old girl has what authorities say is an unexplained and full-blown case of the deadly illness. She is one of only about 100 children in the history of the disease in the U.S. who fall into none of the risk categories for HIV infection-transmission through blood, sex, needles or birth-yet contracted AIDS anyway.

In denying Williams' allegation of discrimination, Morton Grove officials point to a history of code violations at the family's home in the 9200 block of North Austin Avenue that predates Whitney's 1992 AIDS diagnosis.

"Mr. Williams is once again attempting to use his child's illness to his advantage," said Village Administrator Larry Arft, referring to TV talk shows and other appearances the family has made over the last few years to draw attention to Whitney's case and, Arft said, benefit financially from it.

"We have had other children in Morton Grove afflicted (with the AIDS virus), and none of their families has claimed discrimination. . . . What's sad is that there are situations in which people do need assistance," he added. "When you get a claim like this that is so far afield, it leaves a bad taste in people's mouths."

Williams did not respond to repeated attempts, both on the telephone and at his home, seeking his comment.

His wife, Anita, would not discuss the human-rights complaint, saying,"You'll have to talk to Bruce. I had nothing to do with it."

In 1993, the Cook County Department of Public Health reopened its investigation into how Whitney acquired the AIDS virus after the Tribune reported that Bruce Williams had placed ads in gay publications seeking "a lesbian or single female who hasn't scored well financially or emotionally" to bear a child with him.

Williams later told the Tribune that his intent was to provide Whitney, who was 11 at the time, with a baby so that she could experience motherhood before she dies.

The county Department of Public Health, citing a policy of confidentiality, has refused to release the findings of its investigation. Arft said he is confident the state Department of Human Rights will dismiss Williams' complaint. He added that in recent weeks Williams has agreed to erect a storage shed and has begun to clean up his yard in preparation for a September hearing in Housing Court.

Andy Martinez, a spokesman for the Department of Human Rights, said that if Williams' discrimination complaint is found to have merit, it will be referred to an administrative judge. If the case is found to lack cause, Williams could appeal to the Illinois Human Rights Commission, Martinez said.

Martinez refused to discuss specifics of the complaint.

Meanwhile, Whitney is battling symptoms common in advanced stages of AIDS, according to her mother.

Anita Williams said it's unclear whether her daughter, who has been hospitalized seven times since March, will be able to attend school this year.

"Whitney's been pretty sick, but we've maintained a positive attitude and will continue to deal with it," Anita Williams said. Without clarification, she added: "She'll get better eventually."

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