Housing Discrimination Prevalent in the U.S., But Difficult to Detect

A report published this week by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development concludes that although it is less blatant than in the past, discrimination against minorities persists in the selling, buying and renting of homes.

1 minute read

June 12, 2013, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


“Fewer minorities today may be getting the door slammed in their faces, but we continue to see evidence of housing discrimination that can limit a family’s housing, economic and educational opportunities,” said Shaun Donovan, secretary of Housing and Urban Development, of the report's findings. 

According to Katerina Sokou, "The nationwide HUD survey [PDF] of 28 metropolitan areas showed that real estate agents and rental housing providers recommend and show fewer available homes and apartments to minority families, not only restricting their options but also increasing their costs to rent or buy."

"As housing bias becomes more subtle, 'the forms of discrimination documented by this study are very difficult for victims to detect,' said Margery Turner of the Urban Institute."


Tuesday, June 11, 2013 in The Washington Post

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