30 Jan Understanding Your Rights Under the Fair Housing Act
By Attorney Ashley Richardson, Director
MCJ Housing Law Campaign
The Fair Housing Act
At the Mississippi Center for Justice, we believe everyone deserves equal housing access. The Fair Housing Act was enacted to protect individuals from discrimination when renting, buying, or securing financing for housing based on race, color, nationality, religion, sex, disability, or family status. Yet, many people are unaware of their rights—or worse, they face unjust barriers when trying to secure or maintain a place to live.
MCJ’s Annual Fair Housing Event
Last week, MCJ’s Housing Law Campaign hosted its annual Fair Housing Celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This virtual event brought together guest panelists who shared vital information about housing discrimination and provided resources to help Mississippians understand and exercise their rights. We are pleased to share the resources below so that more people can access the support they need.
Challenges We Face
However, during this event, we faced a stark reminder of why our work is so critical. One of our panelists was prohibited from sharing critical information with the group just minutes before their presentation. This alarming moment underscores how ongoing policy changes and executive orders can directly impact efforts to eliminate housing discrimination.
Despite these challenges, MCJ remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights of Mississippians. We will not back down. Through workshops, clinics, and educational presentations, we will continue to empower individuals to recognize discriminatory practices, take action, and demand fairness in housing. Even further, through direct representation, MCJ will work with victims of housing discrimination with investigating and filing administrative complaints with HUD if it is found that the Fair Housing Act has been violated.
Save the Date for the Next Event
Mark your calendars! MCJ will also host another housing event during Fair Housing Month in April scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025. More details to come.
Knowing your rights is the first step toward justice. If you or someone you know has faced housing discrimination, we encourage you to reach out, learn more, and stand up for equal access to housing for all.
Resources
During the Fair Housing Celebration, our guest panelists shared essential resources to help individuals understand their rights. You can access those resources through the links below.
NFHA-Redlining-Toolkit-April-2022.pdf
Combatting Redlining Initiative
2025-01_v11_NFHA-Priorities_FINAL.pdf
2023 Guide to Getting It Right
HMDA – Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
LendingPatterns: Web-based HMDA Analysis and Benchmarking Software
Trump’s new Justice Department leadership orders a freeze on civil rights cases | AP News
Joint Statement on Reasonable Modifications – March 5, 2008
VAWA Housing Protections Toolkit – 2024
Civil Rights Division | Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative – How to Report
Redress Policy Toolbox – The Redress Movement
https://sites.hudexchange.info/housing-request-for-assistance-animals-interactive-tool/
https://mscenterforjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Discrimination-in-Tenant-Screening.pdf