Housing Discrimination in Massachusetts?

@laglen (19759)
United States
May 30, 2010 9:02am CST
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/05/29/caucasian-ad-massachusetts-newspaper/ The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination is investigating a racially charged advertisement that was in a local newspaper. The ad announcing land for sale appeared in the New Bedford Standard-Times recently and was placed by Harmon Law Office in Newton, MyFoxBoston reports. The advertisement stated that the land "...shall not be sold, leased or rented to any person other than of the Caucasian race or to any entity of which any person other than of said race shall be a member, stockholder, officer or director." “Such restrictive covenants have long been deemed unlawful and unenforceable under Massachusetts statute, and conveyance of any such deed is expressly prohibited under Massachusetts anti-discrimination law,” said MCAD Chairman and Commissioner Malcolm Medley. “Advertising such a sale may also be unlawful under the statute. Our obligation is to investigate this matter to determine whether a violation of law has occurred.” Harmon Law issued a statement to FOX25: "This notice involves a restriction that a previous owner placed on the property. We do not condone the language and do not believe that it would be enforceable. It is industry practice to include in the notice of sale the exact legal description as set forth in the mortgage. We have removed the language for future legal notices." The MCAD investigation comes just days after Fox Undercover did its own investigation of housing discrimination in Massachusetts. Figures from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development show that since 2007, there have been 324 complaints filed in Massachusetts alleging housing discrimination based on race and national origin. Now, I know we have some mylotters that live here. I am wondering "wtf?" 324 complaints? Is this really a problem here and what do people think of this?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@kaylachan (57635)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
30 May 10
I don't live there, but I don't have to know that's wrong. However, if someone creates a law for whatever reason, someone somewhere is going to try and break it. This has been proven true on more then one occassion on a number of various issues. Personally I don't know what to think concerning this matter. Normally I don't believe what I hear right off, but do hope if such a problem does exist the issue is resolved quickly.
1 person likes this
@laglen (19759)
• United States
30 May 10
me too but evidentally it happens often. I would expect a few instances because well people are stupid. But the number is revolting.
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
30 May 10
In Europe and the UK, to specify that ANYTHING should only be available to someone of a particular race (e.g. 'of Caucasian descent') would be illegal and punishable by law. The United States really needs to get its act together when it comes to racial/religious and other prejudices. It is already stereotyped as a country that doesn't really believe that the rest of the world exists (or, if they do, they are either terrorists or tourist venues which are 'cute' and 'historical' ... but 'behind the times'). Everyone in Europe laughs at Americans for being stuck in a mindsense that is pre-war, to say the least.
1 person likes this
@laglen (19759)
• United States
30 May 10
but but but but it IS illegal here too. That is what threw me. Holy crap! I am astounded, that in this day and age. I have no excuse since it is inexcusable. A very sad reflection...
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
30 May 10
The number of complaints sounds high, especially for liberal MA. I'd be interested in seeing the stats for every state. Just to see how each compares. You'd think this kind of discrimination would be a thing of the past... Sad...
1 person likes this
@laglen (19759)
• United States
30 May 10
I agree. I figure there will always be idiots but I thought that number was awful high too. I would like to see a state by state study as well.