Today the US Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a set of rules designed to offer a practical standard for establishing the instance of discriminatory effects stemming from housing policies and practices.

Prior to the release of today's rule, agencies and jurisdictions throughout the country determined whether such policies violated the Fair Housing Act of 1968 on an ad hoc, case-by-case basis. The result was often the continuation of discriminatory policies in one jurisdiction that had long been found unfair and unlawful in another.

The establishment of a clear standard for identifying disparate negative impacts in the realm of housing policy is a major step forward in realizing the National Urban League's 2025 Empowerment Goal demanding that every American have access to safe, affordable, and energy efficient housing on fair terms.     
 
The National Urban League issued the following statement applauding HUD for this ruling.

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National Urban League Applauds HUD Rule on Fair Housing

Washington, DC  (February 08, 2013) – National Urban League President and CEO, Marc H. Morial, today issued the following statement in response to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s issuance of a final rule formalizing the national standard to determine discrimination in housing.
 
“Discrimination—by design or accident—is just as devastating and just as wrong.  We applaud Secretary Donovan for his leadership in establishing a clear and uniform standard for identifying unfair housing practices.  With this action, HUD has reaffirmed the right of all Americans to have decent, safe and affordable housing choices on fair terms—a pillar of the Urban League’s mission.

Contact:  Pamela Springs
                (202) 629-5757