August, 13 2021, 11:06am EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Natasha Mundkur, nmundkur@lawyerscommittee.org, press@lawyerscommittee.org
Housing Memorandum Provides Much Needed Understanding to Uphold Federal Fair Housing Policies During Pandemic
WASHINGTON
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced a memorandum of understanding Thursday agreeing to increase enforcement of fair housing and fair lending, a step in the right direction.
The memorandum details the collaboration between HUD and FHFA in information sharing, coordination on investigations, compliance reviews, and the ongoing monitoring of Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Both agencies will now consult on potential violations of fair housing and fair lending laws that may lead to joint investigations, examinations, and reviews of these enterprises.
The following is a statement from Diane Glauber, director of the Fair Housing and Community Development Project at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:
"This announcement represents an important step in deterring racially discriminatory practices in fair housing and fair lending. HUD and FHA are signaling that enforcement will be taken seriously after years of neglect. It is just one step toward undoing the legacy of segregation and redlining that have greatly harmed communities of color and resulted in enormous wealth disparities between Black families and white families and communities."
Background
The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law's work leading the National Anti-Eviction Project will continue to work with local organizers and housing groups to ensure that tenants facing eviction have adequate legal representation.
The Lawyers' Committee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to enlist the private bar's leadership and resources in combating racial discrimination and the resulting inequality of opportunity - work that continues to be vital today.
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