For Immediate Release
10/02/2020
Contact: David Card
202.408.9514 x122
[email protected]
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) condemns the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) new Disparate Impact Standard Final Rule.
This final rule undermines HUD’s ability to enforce the longstanding legal tool known as disparate impact under the Fair Housing Act paving the way for housing providers to engage in discriminatory housing practices. NDRN rejects this rule in its entirety given the profoundly negative impact it will have on the housing choices of millions of Americans, including those with disabilities, for decades to come.
“Once again, HUD insists on proceeding with its harmful regulatory agenda which threatens the civil rights of people with disabilities and people of color all while in the midst of a global pandemic,” said NDRN Executive Director Curt Decker. “The weakening of the disparate impact protection under this final rule will without a doubt result in negative repercussions for people with disabilities seeking to integrate and remain in their communities free from systemic housing discrimination.”
The integration of people with disabilities in the most inclusive setting appropriate based on individual needs is a legal and regulatory bedrock principle in our society today. HUD must cease its assault on this well-established principle and instead dedicate resources to combating housing discrimination against people with disabilities.
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The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the P&A/CAP Network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.
