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Anderson Housing Authority settles with Justice Department following discrimination allegations

Posted at 5:59 PM, Sep 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-21 17:59:20-04

ANDERSON, Ind. -- After seven people accused Anderson’s housing authority of discriminating against residents on the basis of sex and disability, prompting a federal lawsuit by the United States Justice Department, the housing authority is settling.

The lawsuit alleged that employees of the Housing Authority of the City of Anderson sexually harassed female tenants and discriminated against other tenants with disabilities.

In addition, the suit said the housing authority repeatedly denied requests for reasonable accommodations, including requests to be transferred to first floor units and handicap-accessible parking spaces.

According to the Justice Department, the housing authority will be on the hook for $70,000 to compensate seven victims of discrimination.

The agreement goes on to say the housing authority will implement nondiscrimination policies and procedures, provide fair housing training for its employees, refrain from engaging in any prohibited conduct in the future, and make periodic reports to the department confirming compliance.

“Enjoying a safe place to live, free of discrimination and sexual harassment is a fundamental right we all are entitled to,” said Josh Minkler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “My office remains committed to aggressively pursuing the enforcement of civil rights and fighting discrimination in Indiana.”

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