Young v. Pierce

No. P-80-8-CA (E.D. Tex. Mar. 30, 1995) ; Clearinghouse Number: 41451

Description

Court Enters Final Judgment in Class Action Against Racial Segregation in East Texas Public Housing

Abstract

The district court has entered its final judgment in this class action challenging racial segregation in public housing in east Texas. Previously, the court held that HUD and its officials knowingly created, promoted, and funded racially segregated public housing. In this order, the court has permanently enjoined HUD from failing to take action to desegregate the housing at issue. HUD must provide financial assistance to projects and neighborhoods to make physical improvements specified in individual desegregation plans submitted by affected public housing authorities (PHAs). These physical improvements include the provision of air conditioning equipment, laundry facilities, community centers, and playgrounds. In addition to those required by the individual desegregation plans, the court ordered HUD to provide the amenities and services available in any of the historically and predominately white projects at historically and predominately African American projects of similar kind. The court also ordered HUD to create a total of 5,134 desegregated housing opportunities for class members. Desegregated housing opportunities shall be offered first to class members residing in predominately African American low-rent public housing projects, second to class members who are on waiting lists for public housing, and third to class members who are applicants for public housing. The judgment also requires the continued use of provisions, including race-conscious tenant-selection assignments and offers of alternative housing, designed to eliminate or reduce racially identifiable public housing projects. The court ordered HUD to establish a fair housing services center to assist class members in obtaining affordable, desegregated housing and to provide fair housing counseling services. The court also ordered HUD to take specific actions to address racially hostile sites, including the development of supplemental desegregation plans. After HUD and each PHA have satisfied the requirements of this judgment, they may apply to the court for a declaration of unitary status and the termination of judicial supervision over the judgment’s requirements.

Additional Information

Attorney Information
Plaintiffs represented by Tom Oxford, Scott Newar, East Texas Legal Services, 527 Forsythe, Beaumont, TX 77704-2552, (409) 835-4971; Michael Daniel, Laura Beshara.
Docket Date
1995-03-30 00:00:00+00:00