Thurgood Marshall Institute Releases Housing Justice Publications in Honor of National Fair Housing Month

To commemorate the 57th anniversary of the passage of the National Fair Housing Act, the Legal Defense Fund’s (LDF) is releasing two housing justice publications. The first publication – Barred from Housing: The Discriminatory Impact of Criminal History Restrictions in Tenant Screening – highlights how public and private housing providers often use overly broad and restrictive criminal record policies that limit housing opportunities. According to the report, these policies may violate the Fair Housing Act by having unjustified discriminatory effects on Black tenants.

The second publication is a podcast episode entitled “The Promises and Threats of Algorithms in Housing,” which details the increased use of algorithms and predictive technologies in the housing industry. Guests on the episode, including Maryland Legal Aid, argue that while algorithmic technologies have the potential to increase equity by removing human bias from decision-making, there is very little transparency and oversight over these tools and there is clear evidence that these technologies are replicating and amplifying existing biases.

“Access to safe, affordable housing is critical to the fight for a stronger, more equitable, and more prosperous country,” said Karla McKanders, Director of the Thurgood Marshall Institute (TMI). “At a time when the administration is undermining fair housing policies and cutting funds for various programs meant to remedy housing discrimination, our publications draw attention to the prevalence of housing discrimination and the continued need for essential housing protections to ensure all communities have access to safe, dignified, and affordable housing. We are proud to work alongside advocates from across the country to make the dream of fair housing a reality for those who are most often denied it.”

These publications are an extension of the TMI’s efforts to advance LDF’s mission of ensuring equitable access to housing for Black families and communities. To learn more about housing discrimination and the work being done to fight it, view The Black-White Racial Wealth Gap and Bad Housing Blues: Discrimination in the Housing Choice Voucher Program in Memphis, Tennessee.

Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation’s first civil rights law organization. LDF’s TMI is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. 

Read the April 15, 2025 Legal Defense Fund article.

Baltimore Fair Housing Month Resource Fair 2025 is April 26th!

 

April is recognized as Fair Housing Month in the United States to commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. This month serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal access to housing and the need to address systemic barriers that perpetuate segregation and inequality. It is a time to reflect on the progress made, educate communities about their rights, and reaffirm commitments to fostering inclusive, diverse neighborhoods where everyone has the opportunity to live free from discrimination. Join the Office of Equity and Civil Rights and the Community Relations Commission for our upcoming Baltimore City Fair Housing Month Resource Fair! Learn more about your rights as a renter/homeowner in Baltimore City and be connected with resources to help you thrive in your communities. Lunch will be served, and activities are available for folks to bring their kids!  Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025  Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM  Location: Baltimore Unity Hall  Address: 1505 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21217, United States Register Here!

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