Feds file suit after probe reveals racial discrimination at Ann Arbor housing complex | freep.com | Detroit Free Press
-->The U.S. Department of Justice today sued the owner and property manager of an Ann Arbor apartment complex, alleging racial discrimination.
The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit contends that Troy-based Acme Investments Inc. and Laurie Courtney, property manager of Ivanhoe House apartments, discriminated against prospective black renters.
"Housing is a basic human need, and no individual should be subjected to indignity of discrimination as they look for a home for their family," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. "This lawsuit demonstrates that the Justice Department
will not tolerate violations of our nation’s fair housing laws."
The allegations came after a series of housing tests by the Fair Housing Center of Southeastern Michigan, a private nonprofit organization in Ann Arbor. Testers pose as applicants for housing and report on their results.
"Discrimination in housing goes to the very core of American values," said Barbara L. McQuade, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. "The ability to choose where to live affects every other aspect of life – access to schools, jobs and transportation – and we will not ignore violations of this fundamental right."
The Fair Housing Center of Southeastern Michigan sued the complex and property manager on July 16, based on the results of the fair housing tests. That lawsuit is currently pending before U.S. District Judge Sean Cox.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit seeks a court order prohibiting future discrimination by the defendants, and money damages for those affected by the defendants’ alleged actions.
Individuals who may have information related to this lawsuit should contact the Justice Department toll-free at 800-896-7743, mail box No. 91, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan at 313-226-9727, or e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.
