Housing discrimination has been a persistent problem in our region and country. The level of discrimination we face today, as well as the segregated housing patterns of our region, are a result of decades of official and unofficial policies of governments at all levels, of private businesses and associations, and of individual actions by homeowners, rental agents, and others.

Without the actions of all of these individuals and entities, not only would we face less segregation and discrimination as a society, but there would be less economic stratification, as housing patterns affect not only where one lives but, in many respects, one’s life chances through access to quality schools, transportation, jobs, and a healthy environment.

In the last five years for which data are available (2003-2007), on average 140.2 complaints of housing discrimination were filed in the region annually with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), up from an average of 74.8 for the period 1998-2002. The increase in cases filed is due to a doubling of the number of cases brought for discrimination based on disability (from 101 to 230), and a 75% increase in the number of cases brought based on race (from 138 to 242). During this period, the number of cases brought based on religion, sex/gender, familial status (families with children), and national origin also increased, and the number based on color remained constant. The most common bases of discrimination alleged in complaints filed in 2003-2007 were race (34.5% of complaints filed), disability (32.8%), and familial status (12.8%).