| |
 |
|
Washington State FAIR HOUSING UPDATE |
|
by Washington State Human Rights Commission The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) has settled a major case involving class discrimination against Latinos by a multiple-unit housing provider in Shelton, Washington. The case started in May 2007, when the WSHRC hosted a community listening forum about race, national origin, and community in Shelton. There, residents of the Elwood Apartments in Shelton spoke out about mistreatment against themselves and others based on their Mexican and Guatemalan national origin. Residents testified that apartment managers subjected them to different terms and conditions of tenancy, threats and evictions, harassment, and other unfair treatment. Tenants also feared retaliation for protesting unlawful discrimination. WSHRC staff also heard allegations of lock outs and withholding deposit money. The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of national origin. The WSHRC has the authority to start an investigation without waiting for a complaint to be filed. Because the tenants feared retaliation, it was unlikely that people would come forward to file a complaint. In July 2007, the WSHRC opened a Commission-initiated investigation. The WSHRC is now pleased to announce settlement and closure in the case of the Washington State Human Rights Commission v. Elwood Properties, LLC. Marc Brenman, WSHRC Executive Director said, "The investigators were able to uncover significant differences on the basis of national origin between the Elwood property and other properties owned by the Respondent. The conditions were deplorable. Fortunately, the former owners of Elwood Properties chose to settle the case. Today, the Shelton community can begin to heal and move forward." The investigation revealed that some units of the Elwood Apartment were filled with black mold, and community advocates reported that tenants, including children, were experiencing breathing and other health problems. Although the property was sold during the course of the investigation, settlement terms require the former owners of the Elwood Properties to provide a non-discrimination notice in English and Spanish, post fair housing posters and attend training, and agree not to retaliate against persons who exercise their civil rights, with respect to the management of other properties they own. Former tenants and some current tenants involved in the case will be given monetary awards. A local medical clinic, Shelton Family Medicine, will be given additional settlement money to provide medical care to people who may have health conditions due to their living at the Elwood Apartments. The total settlement amount is $38,000. Yvonne Lopez Morton, WSHRC Chair said, "This work is of unique service to the community, and holds property owners accountable." The Commissioners of the WSHRC are Yvonne Lopez Morton, Chair, Spokane; Ellis Casson, Seattle; Deborah Sioux Cano-Lee, Olympia; Jerry Hebert, Kitsap County; and Shawn Murinko, Olympia. The Executive Director of the WSHRC is Marc Brenman. Visit WSHRC on the internet at www.hum.wa.gov OCR Fair Housing Home Page | Comments Updated: July 1, 2009 King County | DES | OCR | News | Services | Search Links to external sites do not constitute
endorsements by King County. |