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HUD ADDRESSES
SEXUAL
HARASSMENT IN
HOUSING
April is Fair Housing Month, and
the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) theme for April 2020
is "Call HUD: Because Sexual Harassment in
Housing is Illegal." is year's theme serves
as a public awareness campaign that urges the
persons who experience sexual harassment
where they live to "call HUD."
"While any form of discrimination
stains the very fabric of our nation, HUD
is especially focused on protecting the right
of individuals to feel safe and secure in
their homes, free from sexual harassment or
unwanted sexual advances," HUD Secretary
Dr. Benjamin Carson said. "is theme,
which is a call to action, is an appeal to those
who experience discrimination, particularly
survivors of sexual harassment, to contact
HUD for help. Much work remains to be
done, but HUD's efforts in this area are
already producing real results for real people."
"Complaints we receive demonstrate the
importance of continuing our commitment to
shining a light on this form of discrimination
and letting everyone know that HUD is here
to help," said Anna María Farías, HUD's
Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and
Equal Opportunity. "Even as the nation is
dealing with a health crisis unlike any we have
experienced in recent history, HUD is open
for business and working to ensure that no
one has to tolerate harassment or unwanted
sexual advances in the place they call home."
Recently, HUD approved several
Conciliation Agreements with housing
providers in Napa Valley, California, resolving
allegations that the on-site manager for one
of their properties sexually harassed female
residents. e settlements called for the
owners to pay $49,000 to women who filed
complaints, remove the on-site manager, and
attend fair housing training.
In addition, HUD and the Department
of Justice continue to work together through
a nationwide joint initiative that is combating
sexual harassment in housing.
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