Baltimore City Civil Rights Week 2024 Programming Announcement

The Office of Equity and Civil Rights is excited to invite you to join us for our annual Civil Rights Week from October 4th - 12th! We have several events scheduled throughout the week that touch on key topics including Police Accountability, The History of Redlining and Housing Discrimination in the city, Legislative Access for Women, a History of Immigration and Inclusion in Baltimore and more! Check out some of what's happening below and sign up to join us. All events are free and open to the public. Hope to see you there! Register Here!

US Antisemitic Incidents Surge to Record High

Reports of antisemitic incidents in the US have reached a record high since last year's Hamas attack in Israel, according to a preliminary report from the Anti-Defamation League Center for Extremism (ADL). The group found over10,000 incidents from 7 October 2023 to 24 September of this year, more than a 200% increase compared to the same period last year. It is the highest ever since the ADL began tracking such incidents in 1979.

The report is days after the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a joint statement warning of possible violent threats amid the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. Since last October’s Hamas attack on Israel which saw around 1,200 people killed "Jewish Americans haven’t had a single moment of respite,” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. “Instead, we’ve faced a shocking number of antisemitic threats and experienced calls for more violence against Israelis and Jews everywhere.”

The antisemitism episodes reported by the ADL included about 8,015 incidents of verbal or written harassment, 1,840 incidents of vandalism, and 150 incidents of physical assault. The states with the highest number of recorded cases were California, with 1,266 incidents, New York 1,218, New Jersey  830, and Florida 463. The ADL expects its preliminary numbers to increase as it receives more data. The final report for 2024 will be published in the spring of 2025.

Part of the overall increase comes from a change in methodology to include "expressions of opposition to Zionism, as well as support for resistance against Israel or Zionists that could be perceived as supporting terrorism", the ADL said. The ADL's preliminary report counted over 3,000 of incidents during anti-Israel rallies "which featured regular explicit expressions of support for terrorist groups", including Hamas and Hezbollah. Excluding these incidents, the ADL counted 7,523 episodes of antisemitism, a 103% increase from 2022.

The continued violence in the Middle East region has led to a surge in anti-Muslim and Islamophobic incidents across the US. Anti-Muslim incidents were 8,061 in 2023, according to a report from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) released this April. This was the highest level since CAIR began tallying almost 30 years ago, with nearly half coming after the 7 October attack.

Read the October 6, 2024 BBC News article.

NCRC and Fintechs Urge Federal Regulators to Use AI to Detect and Eliminate Lending Discrimination

 

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and a group of financial technology firms submitted a joint letter urging regulators issue clear guidelines to lenders on how the new AI fair lending tools could better evaluate disparities in lending. The letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) - signed by NCRC, Zest AI, Upstart, Stratyfy, and FairPlay - was issued in response to the White House’s Executive Order on AI in October, 2023.

Some lenders have not adopted these newer tools for underwriting analysis because they believe they can remain compliant with existing fair lending laws despite evidence that suggests older scoring models continue to contribute to systemic discrimination. Newer fair lending tools can allow lenders to conduct searches for new underwriting models that perform as well as older scoring models, while also mitigating the risk of discrimination in their analysis of an LMI credit applicant.

From the companies’ perspective, the power of the new AI tools can help lenders comply with regulations and improve their ability to expand credit access to applicants who have traditionally been underserved or considered too risky by old underwriting models.

The key recommendations of the letter include:

1. Don’t wait for perfect information to act. AI will continue to rapidly evolve. Supervisory highlights should be used by regulators to highlight best practices within the industry.
2. Provide written guidance on activity that triggers fair lending oversight. The CFPB should provide clearer guidelines on the conditions that would require a lender to engage in a Less Discriminatory Alternative (LDA) search, as well as the frequency with which such searches will be conducted.
3. Clarify that fair lending applies not only to how applicants are treated, but also how they are selected. Evaluating the creditworthiness of applicants can happen at the earliest stages of the lending process, including during marketing campaign planning. AI tools that can more comprehensively assess the risk of an applicant should be adopted earlier and favored over older models and tools.
4. The FHFA should continue to build upon its 2022 AI Advisory Opinions. The prior advisory opinions offered AI-specific guidance to the GSEs based on select use cases with potential to improve housing finance for consumers.
5. The CFPB should assert that fair lending compliance should be as high a priority as all other parts of the lending process. For companies using AI in credit decisioning, the CFPB should make clear the usage of outdated tools is not sufficient to remain compliant with fair lending laws.
6. Supervisory examination and training should address routine review of financial institutions’ model testing protocols and results. Fair lending examinations should also include reviews of the models used, testing protocols and positive assessment of LDA searches. Data concerning the efficacy of tools and practices should be shared in a forum with regulators and policymakers.

Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash

Read the September 30, 2024 NCRC article.

Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership Analyzes Source of Income Discrimination Law Effectiveness

 

During HUD's Quarterly Update event on July 25, 2024, panelists explored the emerging research on source of income discrimination laws and the enforcement strategies employed by municipalities in Maryland and New York. Some 50 years ago, Congress enacted the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program to promote housing stability, health, and economic mobility by allowing households to choose where to use their rental subsidy. Many voucher holders, however, remain in high-poverty areas because area landlords practice source of income discrimination (SOID) by refusing to accept vouchers outright. To address this behavior, states and localities began enacting SOID laws in the 1970s; however, even in areas where SOID laws are in place, landlords sometimes find indirect ways to deny housing to voucher holders. 

On July 25, 2024, HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) hosted a PD&R Quarterly Update featuring two panel discussions examining the implementation of these laws and the latest research on their effectiveness. Adria Crutchfield, executive director of the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP) participated in the discussions and analysis.

Prevalence, Evolution, and Effectiveness of SOID Protections

As of February 2024, HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing reports that 17 states, 21 counties, and over 85 cities have passed laws regarding SOID. According to Poverty & Race Research Action Council (PRRAC) data, the number of state and local SOID laws has more than doubled over the past 10 years. Alongside the rise in SOID laws, the National Fair Housing Alliance reports a corresponding increase in complaints that local fair housing organizations have filed concerning landlord offenses. Lawyers previously needed to challenge laws that did not explicitly include federal housing assistance as a protected source of income (SOI) or address minimum income requirements and landlord objections to inspections. Policymakers have changed the language of recent ordinances to more effectively address SOID issues, eliminating outdated defenses and strengthening enforcement. At the same time, institutions are prioritizing making information about SOID laws more accessible. Earlier in 2024, the Office of Public and Indian Housing launched a website detailing SOID laws. In addition, PRRAC maintains and regularly updates a compilation of state, local, and federal laws prohibiting SOID.

To understand the effect of SOID laws on voucher utilization and movement to low-poverty neighborhoods, the Urban Institute did a study that analyzed 43 SOID laws passed between 2001 and 2017. They noted that before these laws were enacted, only one in four families with vouchers lived in low-poverty neighborhoods, and the concentration of voucher holders in high-poverty areas was growing. After SOID laws were passed, access to lower-poverty neighborhoods improved, although "with a 3- to 4-year lag" for laws to take into effect.

Despite the rise in SOID laws enacted nationwide and the positive mobility outcomes for voucher holders they have supported, it was asserted that "too few households reach low-poverty, high-opportunity neighborhoods, and too many households are unable to find housing with their vouchers." A paired-testing study HUD conducted in partnership with the Urban Institute between 2016 and 2017 evidenced the pervasiveness of landlord discrimination as an explanation for the "stubborn and persistent challenges" that families with housing choice vouchers face.

Lessons From State and Local Implementation of SOID

The second panel discussion presented insights from practitioners in Baltimore and New York. The panelists discussed the specifics of SOID laws in their respective jurisdictions, enforcement mechanisms, and strategies for engaging landlords to enhance housing access. Since 2019, New York state law has protected SOI under human rights legislation and prohibited discrimination against legal sources of income in housing advertisements. The law covers numerous SOI categories, including various forms of public assistance, and incorporates provisions for individuals to pursue legal action through state courts or the Division of Human Rights. 

BRHP's Crutchfield explained that Maryland's 2020 Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act, which expanded SOI protections statewide, addressed negative provisions in earlier city-level SOI laws. For example, in Baltimore, the act ended the practice of allowing landlords with a certain percentage of HCV tenants to reject future voucher applicants.

Despite these advances, both the New York representative and Crutchfield noted that landlords' efforts to evade enforcement present ongoing challenges for HCV holders. Crutchfield shared anecdotes from clients of BRHP's housing counseling team that faced discriminatory screening practices and neighborhood resistance. For example, tenants have reported that some landlords impose stringent credit score requirements or income multipliers, and homeowners associations sometimes amend their bylaws to introduce additional screening criteria related to criminal records. 

Incentivizing Landlord Participation in Antidiscrimination

Speakers on both panels agreed that strategies to incentivize landlord participation can make SOID protection more effective. Crutchfield described BRHP's proactive marketing to landlords, including conducting social media campaigns to promote the benefits of renting to voucher holders. BRHP also produces webinars to educate landlords about the involved legal requirements.

Still, all agreed these efforts are just the beginning. "There's more work to be done around educating landlords, and there's more work to be done around understanding what might change landlord behavior, but this is an encouraging time to [be gaining] more evidence about the value that these laws bring to voucher holders and their outcomes." New York's office is currently partnering with a behavioral insights team to understand and address landlords' awareness and perceptions of SOID.

Read the October 1, 2024 PD&R article.

Community Development Network of Maryland Award Presentation is on October 7th

 a joyous celebration of the great work in urban, suburban and rural Maryland

Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.

Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230

AWARD WINNERS

Cross-Sector Award

GEDCO

        Stadium Place

Impact Awards

    Beloved Community Services Corporation - 

        Renovation of P.S. 103, the Henry Highland Garnet School

    Baltimore County DHCD and MCB Real Estate, LLC - 

        Preserving and creating attainable and affordable housing in NOAH properties

Innovation Award

    

    Evergreen Heritage Center

        Connecting to broadband and wifi in Western MD

 

Advocates of the Year

    Char McCready & Beyond the Boundaries 

    Baltimore City Inclusionary Housing Coalition

 

Legacy Awards:

    Maryann Dillon, Housing Initiative Partnership

    Santo Grande, Delmarva Community Services

Community Development Energy Stars

 

       Requity

 

Housing Counseling Star Awards:

    Luis Perez, Housing Initiative Partnership

    Meredith McAllister, GO Northwest Housing Resource Center

    Tina Vice, Diversified Housing Development, Inc.

Making Great Places in Maryland

    Placemaking

    Joy Owens Interiors - The Ruby

    Placemaking

    MHP - Flower Theater Facade and Marquee

 

Baltimore City Civil Rights Week 2024 Program Announced

 

Baltimore City Civil Rights Week 2024 Program Announcements 09/27/2024 The Office of Equity and Civil Rights is excited to invite you to join us for our annual Civil Rights Week from October 4th - 12th! We have several events scheduled throughout the week that touch on key topics including Police Accountability, The History of Redlining and Housing Discrimination in the city, Legislative Access for Women, a History of Immigration and Inclusion in Baltimore and more! Check out some of what's happening below and sign up to join us. All events are free and open to the public. Hope to see you there! This panel will provide context to our current civilian oversight structures in Baltimore City. We will detail the accountability process from beginning to end and provide insight on the future of civilian oversight of law enforcement and hope you join us in demystifying civilian oversight in Baltimore City!   Register Here Register Here   Faith leaders from diverse worship centers around the City will host City leaders and offer prayers for justice and civil rights for the City of Baltimore in the City Hall Rotunda. *This event is virtual only.* This is an opportunity to Baltimore City residents, particularly those who are themselves living with disabilities, to make their concerns known. The event features a Q&A with City officials and alternative ways to submit questions/concerns for response from the City.   Register Here Register Here   Join OECR and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland for an insightful presentation that will shine a light on the unique relationship between Prince Hall Freemasonry and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, particularly Morgan State University. This presentation will not only inform the observer of the rich historical relationship between the MWPHGL of MD and Morgan State University but serve as a reminder of the much-needed work to hew from a historical mountain of despair a stone of hope, to build a future of achievement. Join us for an interactive plenary which focuses on the historic significance of the Slave Song (Negro Spiritual) and its impact on the nation and world, which also influence the music of the Civil Rights Movement, and the inextricable link to the iconic Baltimore Civil Rights leaders, many of whom were pastors and community leaders in Landmark churches.   Register Here Register Here   Join OECR and the Baltimore City Law Department for an engaging panel discussion and presentation on the history of redlining in Baltimore and the attempts by the City to reverse the effects in the community. We are happy to welcome experts in the field to discuss everything from the case of City of Baltimore v. Wells Fargo, NA to the vacant homes in our communities. Join us for an inspiring event celebrating the remarkable contributions of women trailblazers in Baltimore's Civil Rights Movement. This panel discussion will spotlight the impactful lives of Billie Holiday, Lillie Mae Carroll Jackson, and Irene Morgan Kirkaldy, exploring their enduring legacies and the challenges they overcame. Don't miss this opportunity to honor these iconic women and explore ways to make a difference in our communities. *This event will include dinner*   Register Here Register Here   Join us for an informative and engaging event dedicated to educating the public on gender-related voter issues. This event will feature high level presentations on critical topics such as housing, LGBTQ rights, returning citizens and immigration, and voter education. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts and connect with local organizations that advocate for these issues at our resource fair. This is a valuable opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge and resources to make informed voting decisions and advocate for gender equity in Baltimore. Join us and the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs for an insightful panel presentation and workshop to highlight the history of struggle for inclusion, as well as progress achieved, by and for immigrants in the City of Baltimore in various sectors of society, including housing, economic development, and healthcare. The panel will be conducted entirely in Spanish and an interpreter and listening equipment will be provided for audience members who do not speak Spanish.   Register Here Register Here   Join us for an insightful and educational community walk though historic Upton. Walk with us as we explore the new additions to the community including the fantastic opening of the Penn Avenue Main Street Welcome Center and the renovation and grand opening of the new Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center. See how this community's history has helped shape its future and the futures of communities around Baltimore. *DHCD will be providing fair housing information sessions and resources.* *Lunch will be provided*

31st Baltimore Civil Rights Breakfast on October 7th - Get Your Tickets Today!

 

Get Your Tickets Today!!! Time is almost up! Ticket sales end on October 2nd!  Individual Ticket - $75.00 Full Table - $675.00 Click Here to Get Your Tickets Now!