HUD News

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) along with seven other agencies across the federal government are clarifying in writing that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination, antisemitism, and Islamophobia. The Fair Housing Act also considers religion as a protected class. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the latest development in their historic U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, which was initially released in May 2023.

HUD’s Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said, “Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and any other form of hate have no place anywhere, including in the home. No one should be discriminated against because of their ancestry or ethnic characteristics or their faith or beliefs. Today’s announcement will further the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to combating discrimination in all its forms and guide our partners on the ground to enforce this country’s legal protections for Americans against acts of hatred.”

HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain said, “The fact sheet we are releasing today sends a strong message that discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics is illegal under the Civil Rights Act. This announcement is in line with HUD’s continued commitment to combat housing discrimination in all forms. It informs those who call America home of their right to be treated equally regardless of their shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics–putting us one step closer to building a housing system that prioritizes fairness and equality.”

Besides making the announcement, HUD continues to contribute to implementing the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. HUD also issued a letter in May to 200 federally funded housing programs on how to identify antisemitism and other forms of discrimination that occur in housing. A listening session will also be hosted by HUD in October for young adults to focus on fair housing rights, concerning protections on religion and shared ancestry. 

HUD also collaborated with seven other federal agencies which included the Department of Agriculture, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Interior, Treasury, Labor, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development to clarify how this law prohibits different kinds of discrimination. 

HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) actively enforces the Fair Housing Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to uphold fair housing and civil rights.