The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently reached an agreement with Harris County, Texas, to settle allegations of discrimination based on race and national origin in its Post Disaster Relocation and Buyout Program.
Although the county denies the discrimination allegations, HUD has not made any findings of discrimination under the relevant laws, including the Fair Housing Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The county has entered into this agreement to resolve the dispute, while still maintaining its denial of the allegations, as stated in the agreement.
As part of the agreement, the county is required to inform current mandatory buyout program participants of their rights, including the right to appeal the buyout of their property. Information in both English and Spanish must also be provided on filing discrimination complaints with HUD.
Any future plans to use HUD disaster recovery funds for mandatory buyouts must be approved by the department, with a focus on preventing discrimination in the program.
The agreement also involves a resolution between the county and a property owner who filed a discrimination complaint, with the county agreeing to limit land taking in high-risk flood areas.
Diane M. Shelley, HUD’s principal deputy assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity, emphasized the importance of applying HUD funds equitably in buyout programs.
“HUD remains committed to equitable disaster recovery and resilience, ensuring that disaster recovery funds are administered in compliance with civil rights laws,” she stated.
Related