On March 25, 2024, the HUD announced that the it has charged the Grapevine Housing Authority (GHA), Jane Everett (Executive Director of GHA), and Bonnie McHugh (Vice-Chair of the GHA Housing Commission), with discriminating against, and failure to provide a reasonable accommodation for a tenant with a disability. Principal Assistant Deputy Secretary Demetria L. McCain said in a statement that the HUD’s action demonstrates the agency’s steadfast commitment to take appropriate action when housing providers fail to comply with the Fair Housing Act.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodation when necessary for persons with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their homes. HUD’s Charge of Discrimination alleges that the Grapevine Housing Authority, Ms. Everett, and Ms. McHugh terminated the lease of a tenant with diabetes following a medical episode caused by his blood sugar levels. They subsequently denied his reasonable accommodation request and continued eviction proceedings against him even after his doctor had provided evidence that his symptoms were managed following a change in medication and purchase of a medical alert bracelet.
According to the HUD’s announcement, a United States Administrative Law Judge will hear the charge unless any party to the charge elects to have the case heard in federal district court. If a judge finds, after a hearing, that discrimination has occurred, they may award damages to the complainant for his losses as a result of the discrimination. The judge may also order injunctive relief and other equitable relief, to deter further discrimination, as well as payment of attorney fees. The judge can also apply fines to support public interest.
Read the HUD’s announcement here.
The Charge can be found here.