LANDLORD FOUND IN CONTEMPT FOR VIOLATING CIRCUIT COURT ORDER AND DECISION OF THE MARYLAND COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS’ APPEAL BOARD

MCCR Continues Pursuit of Justice for Victim of Unlawful Sexual Harassment in Housing

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - On November 23, 2020, the Circuit Court for Washington County found landlord Henry T. Piper in contempt of court for refusing to provide documentation to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR), for failing to pay ordered penalties and relief, and for failing to attend fair housing sensitivity training.

The Appeal Board of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights originally ordered Mr. Piper to pay $5,400 in monetary relief to his former tenant, as well as a $10,000 civil penalty to the State of Maryland on February 2, 2018, after it was found that he violated Maryland’s fair housing law by sexually harassing his former tenant. Previously, the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) had issued a similar order for relief and $5,000 in a civil penalty to the State of Maryland.

The Commission continued to pursue court action against Mr. Piper over the last two years in the name of justice for both the complainant – who has yet to receive awarded relief for her pain and suffering as a victim of unlawful sexual harassment – as well as the people of the State of Maryland. He refused to comply with orders from OAH, the MCCR Appeal Board, and the Circuit Court of Washington County. The landlord’s willful disregard of the court’s order resulted in his incarceration for ten days, including over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Assistant General Counsel Terrence J. Artis, who litigated this case on behalf of the Commission, affirms, “Should any person or entity be found to have violated the civil rights of any Marylander protected under the Commission’s statute, the Commission will exhaust all enforcement tools available under the law in the pursuit of justice for the complainant and people of the State of Maryland.”

MCCR represents the interest of the state to ensure equal opportunity for all through enforcement of Title 20 of the State Government Article and Title 19 of the State Finance & Procurement Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. MCCR investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and state contracts filed by members of protected classes under federal and state law. For additional information, please contact Spencer Dove at 410-767-8576 or by email at spencer.dove@maryland.gov.

Victim of Discrimination?

Training & Partnerships

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Source: Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, December 7, 2020.

We Join in Mourning 

Fr. Richard (Dick) Lawrence's passing on November 26, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Fr. Richard (Dick) Lawrence's passing on November 26, 2020. As an advocate for Social Justice Initiatives that lead to lasting change, Fr. Lawrence was one of the founders of Beyond the Boundaries, (along with Monsignor William F. Burke of St. Francis of Assisi and retired Monsignor Richard H. Tillman). So aptly stated by Monsignor Bozzelli in the November 28th Catholic Review article, “The model for Beyond the Boundaries was working together, as a region...It was responsible for the first affordable housing bill in the city. Dick (Father Lawrence) had great vision, and was very creative. He told us, ‘Politicians are never going to initiate this. We have to create the parade, so that we can invite them to stand at the head of it.’ That was a typical Dick move.”  You may also recall seeing the pivotal video for Beyond the Boundaries, featuring Fr. Lawrence, where he simply and clearly makes the strong and convincing case for our program...a video which is still viewed today to help many understand the intersection between systemic racism and housing in our region.  In his statement, Archbishop William E. Lori said, “Throughout the Archdiocese and the City of Baltimore there are so many who mourn the passing of Fr. Dick Lawrence. From our neighbors who are homeless to those who enjoy positions of the highest prominence, he was known for his fierce commitment to living out the Gospel call to love the least among us. May his legacy long be a reminder of the priorities we must keep before us as we strive to bring peace and healing to our City.” While in person participation in funeral services is no longer open, please consider joining one of the virtual services being offered. VISIT HERE for the schedule of services as well as links for online viewing opportunities.  We hold all those close Fr. Lawrence in prayer during the days and weeks ahead, and pray that Beyond the Boundaries can continue to live out his legacy of service to the most poor and vulnerable among us.

Copyright © 2020 Beyond the Boundariesbtb.org, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Beyond the Boundaries   btb.org 3615 Harford Rd Baltimore, MD 21218-3150 Add us to your address book ***** Source: Beyond the Boundaries, email, December 4, 2020.

HEALTH CARE FOR ALL
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY TOWN HALL FORUM  

We want to hear from you about high cost prescription drugs! 

 Join us for the final Community Forum of 2020 on Monday, December 7th at 7 p.m. 

Thanks to your great work and advocacy, Maryland continues to lead the nation in innovative approaches to prescription drug affordability. Despite being a year of many unforeseen challenges, in 2020 we saw the landmark Prescription Drug Affordability Board begin its lifesaving work, collaborated with states around the nation to replicate this legislation, and heard from Marylanders across the state about the impact of high cost prescription drugs. Though the year is coming to a close, there are still opportunities for you to get involved in prescription drug affordability efforts. Most importantly, the Board needs to hear from you! 

Our final community forum of 2020 will be hosted on Monday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. in partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Please join us for an opportunity to share your input on high cost prescription drugs and hear from federal, state, and local leaders working on this important issue. 

If you like to tell your story or share your feedback anonymously, please visit this website: www.healthcareforall.com/RxInput. Your input is critical to informing the Board's work! As always, this work would not be possible without your advocacy and the support of a broad, diverse coalition. 

If you have not already, please consider having your organization join the Prescription Drug Affordability Coalition today! With over 400 members, the coalition is the key to taking on Big Pharma and will be essential in overriding the Governor's veto of the Board's funding bill when the legislature returns to session in January. 

Thank you for your tireless work to make prescription drugs more affordable and ensure that all Marylanders have access to quality, affordable health care-- we can't wait to see what you'll accomplish in 2021! Share Your Story 

We Want to Hear From You!

Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative 

2600 St. Paul Street | Baltimore, Maryland 21218 

(410) 235-9000 | info@healthcareforall.com 

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 Understanding Structural Racism in Nonprofit Environments

Interactive Virtual Workshop

         December 12th 2-5 p.m. 

Why is this important?: Racism is a powerful force that inhibits our progress toward justice, peace, and prosperity.

About this Event

Why is this important? Racism is a powerful force that inhibits our progress toward justice, peace, and prosperity. Despite decades of legal and social reform aimed at reducing inequity. Inequality continues to be a significant problem in all societies and most organizations. Subsequently, we have conversations around or about Institutional Racism without having a mutual understanding of what it is and now it operates in our environment. Because of this lack of knowledge we often unknowingly perpetuate harm. Having a shared understanding is the first step in dismantling institutional racism.

THIS WORKSHOP WILL ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS?

What is structural racism?

How is structural racism different from other forms of racism?

What is institutional power?

How does structural racism show up in nonprofit environments?

THIS WORKSHOP ADDRESSES THE FOLLOWING LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Establish a shared understanding of some commonly used, but commonly misunderstood terminology.

Explore how current organizational values either support or disrupt Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

THIS WORKSHOP IS PERFECT FOR YOU, IF:

You work with/ in diverse populations.

You are a nonprofit professional.

You work for an organization that provides services to populations with a different race, citizenship status, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender than you or the leadership of your organization.

You care about increasing access and opportunity for others on a meaningful level.

You sit on the board of a nonprofit organization that serve diverse populations.

HOW TO KNOW IF THIS WORKSHOP ISN’T FOR YOU.

I’m going to be honest and let you know that this workshop may not be for everybody. This is not a sit and listen only workshop where the speaker reads from the PowerPoint and you are able to passively learn and take notes. This is an interactive workshop that will require radical introspection. You'll be required to engage, create, and have conversations so that you will walk away with not only a deeper understanding of your institutional power and how to leverage it to counter structural racism.

This workshop is typically $75 per person. In an effort to increase access and reach more people, I’ve reduced the rate to just $45 per person.

A LINK TO THE WORKSHOP WILL BE EMAILED TO TICKETED PARTICIPANTS PRIOR TO WORKSHOP.

Organizer: S. Rasheem

Organizer of Understanding Structural Racism in Nonprofit Environments

Rasheem is an Independent Scholar and Social Scientist whose scholarship encourages a critical examination of society and culture through the lens of race, gender, and class. Her educational background is interdisciplinary, and includes a Bachelors degree in Social Science, a minor in Sociology, a Masters’ in Nonprofit Management and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Work. She has been a Principal Investigator on at least five different qualitative research initiatives and has spoken on the topic of equity at over 30 academic and professional conferences.

As an instructor, she has a commitment to helping students gain deeper insight into an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and intersectional approach to the academic study of marginalized populations. Dr. Rasheem’s research practices epistemic justice through centralizing the experiential knowledge of marginalized populations through a qualitative research methodology. She also believes in the use of culturally relevant theoretical frameworks when studying various populations. Her work contributes to the growing body of literature at the intersection of race and gender. Her most recent scholarship includes:

Rasheem, S.M. Brunson, Jordan( 2017, November) #ShePersisted: The pursuit, persistence, & power of African American women in social work graduate programs at Historically Black Institutions (HBI), Journal of Social Work Education: The International Journal

Rasheem, S.M., Alleman, A. Mushonga, D. & Toney, D. Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2018, March) Mentor-shape: Mentoring Black Women in Doctoral Programs, Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning.

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Source: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-structural-racism-in-nonprofit-environments-tickets-125384952769?ref=enivtefor001&invite=MjAxMjA0MzUvd2tsYWRreUBnYmNocmIub3JnLzA%3D%0A&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&utm_term=eventpage.

Housing Discrimination Complaint Against Redfin in 10 Cities Including Baltimore

The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) has filed a federal complaint against the Redfin national real estate firm, alleging the company’s online listing services unlawfully favor white consumers and neighborhoods compared to their nonwhite counterparts in Baltimore and nine other cities.

The NFHA said that Redfin’s minimum home listing price guidelines violate the Fair Housing Act by denying service to customers in largely segregated communities: "Redfin redlines communities of color in this digital age by setting minimum home listing prices in each housing market on its website under which it will not offer any real estate brokerage services to buyers or sellers,” reads the complaint, adding that Redfin conducts much of its services online and has few in-person offices. “By disproportionately withholding its services to homebuyers and sellers in these communities, Redfin disincentivizes homebuying within these communities, reduces housing demand and values, and perpetuates residential segregation."

The NFHA complaint names Baltimore as one of 10 cities where Redfin is more likely to offer service in “Extremely White” ZIP codes (over 70% white) and less likely to list homes in “Extremely Non-White” ZIP codes (over 70% not white). The other cities named are Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Louisville, Milwaukee, and Memphis, as well as Kansas City, Missouri; Newark, New Jersey; and Long Island, New York. 

The NFHA alleges that Redfin is over five times as likely to not offer services in Black neighborhoods in Baltimore, and more than six times as likely to offer its “Best Available Service” in white neighborhoods. The term “Best Available Service” refers to the most comprehensive level of service offered by the company, which connects buyers and sellers to Redfin agents and offers perks such as reduced listing commission fees and refunds.  

Redfin has denied the allegations.

Baltimore Sun

October 30, 2020

https://www.baltimoresun.com/business/real-estate/bs-bz-national-fair-housing-alliance-baltimore-complaint-redfin-20201029-zbkmdalxdndrtfltvvipi7o6xu-story.html

 New Book: 

Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All

by Martha S. Jones 

352 pages.

hardcover, $30.00

Basic Books, 2020.

This is an important book for all of us that has just been published in September, 2020. It interestingly tells the history of how black women fought for their right to vote, for overcoming various barriers restricting their vote, and the relevance for all voters. Anyone interested in civil rights, public access, and the political process should read this.

Like all civil rights laws, the Nineteenth Amendment was an achievement, but much remained - and remains - to be done.

From the Amazon description:

"In Vanguard, acclaimed historian Martha S. Jones offers a new history of African American women's political lives in America. She recounts how they defied both racism and sexism to fight for the ballot, and how they wielded political power to secure the equality and dignity of all persons. From the earliest days of the republic to the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and beyond, Jones excavates the lives and work of black women -- Maria Stewart, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Fannie Lou Hamer, and more -- who were the vanguard of women's rights, calling on America to realize its best ideals."

STUDY FINDS LENDING DISCRIMINATION WITHIN THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM

A just-released study from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) has found that there has been racial discrimination in the implementation of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). 

The PPP is a lending program that provides money, in a potential grant format, to small businesses to help them weather the economic effects of the pandemic. The majority of the loan needs to be allocated for employee salaries and then the remainder can be used for other business expenses like rent and loan payments.

The study involved matched-pair testing for requesting loans in Washington, D.C. It was found that there was racial discrimination in levels of encouragement in applying for a loan, the products offered, and the information provided by the bank staffer.

To correct this, the NCRC proposes:

1. Financial institutions should implement rigorous compliance programs that include matched-pair testing of their bank branches and review of their decision to deny a PPP loan to ensure that there is no disparate treatment or impact. 

2. The federal government can aid compliance efforts by ensuring that data related to small business lending is made public. The SBA should immediately release the business name and address for businesses that were able to access a PPP loan for less than $150,000 and the terms of those loans, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) should fast track its efforts to implement the Small Business Data Collection provision of the Dodd-Frank Act, Section 1071, that requires lenders to disclose small business loan data. 

Without these measures, it is concluded that existing disparities will continue, hampering economic development in minority  communities.

Read the study: https://ncrc.org/lending-discrimination-within-the-paycheck-protection-program/.

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Source: NCRC, November 6, 2020.