Anderson Housing Authority Reaches Lawsuit Settlement
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA lawsuit filed against the City of Anderson Housing Authority has ended in a settlement. The U.S. Department of Justice says the AHA was accused of subjecting female tenants to sexual harassment and discriminating against tenants with disabilities.
As part of the settlement agreement, the housing authority must pay $70,000 to seven victims. The DOJ says It must also "implement nondiscrimination policies and procedures, provide fair housing training for employees, refrain from engaging in prohibited conduct in the future, and make periodic reports to the department confirming compliance."
The complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana alleged the AHA would regularly deny or ignore requests maintenance or accommodations from tenants with disabilities. The complaint also stated the AHA was liable for five employees accused of making unwanted sexual advances or comments to female tenants.
"Sexual harassment of women and discrimination against persons with disabilities are unacceptable and will not be tolerated," said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. "We will continue to vigorously combat such discrimination, including in public housing."
The AHA manages the city’s public housing program and administers the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Voicer Program in the city.
You can view the full settlement agreement by clicking here.