On Wednesday, January 21, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in the case of Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs v. Inclusive Communities Project. The case raises the issue of whether the federal Fair Housing Act prohibits actions that have a discriminatory effect (also called a “disparate impact”) on a protected class or only …
fair housing act
Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument on Fair Housing Act Case
Greensboro Adds LGBT Housing Protections
On January 6, 2015, the City of Greensboro became the first city in North Carolina to prohibit discrimination in housing based on an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The ordinance, which was passed unanimously by the City Council, applies to the rentals or sale of residential housing as well as to related housing transactions. The …
US Dep’t of Justice Sues Scotland County Housing Group, Alleging Sexual Harassment
On December 10, 2014, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in federal court against Southeastern Community and Family Services, Inc. (formerly Four-County Community Services, Inc.), and two of its employees alleging repeated acts of sexual harassment. Southeastern Community and Family Services is a public housing agency that administers the Section 8 voucher program …
Disability Rights NC, “Animals and the Fair Housing Act” (2012)
NCHFA, Reasonable Accommodation: A Quick Guide for Property Managers (2014)
NCHFA, “Fair Housing for Tenants with Disabilities,” (2008 Updated Edition)
Settlement of Royal Oak Concerned Citizens Assn, et al. v. Brunswick County Lawsuit
The Royal Oak Concerned Citizens Association case against Brunswick County was resolved on June 16, 2014 with the County’s approval of the settlement agreement. See the Star News article from June 18, 2014 for more information about the settlement. The UNC Center for Civil Rights initiated the lawsuit in Brunswick County Superior Court in June …
HUD Charges University with Housing Discrimination for Denying Student Support Animal in Student Housing
On August 19, 2014, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it had charged Kent State University, in Ohio, with violating the federal Fair Housing Act by preventing a student with a disability from having an emotional support animal in her campus apartment. The complaint was brought by the student, her husband, and …
Court Allows Justice Dept. Discrimination Case Against NC Landlord to Proceed
On August 13, 2014, United States District Court Judge Louise Flanagan refused to dismiss a lawsuit alleging a Washington, NC, landlord with racial discrimination. The lawsuit, brought by the U.S. Department of Justice in September 2012, alleges that William I. Cochran, III, and several entities that he is affiliated with discriminated against African American tenants over …