Consider Becoming a Tester!

Steve Tomkowiak • December 9, 2021

Testers play the role of home buyers and seek to identify any discrimination in the market. If you'd like to become a tester, check out our training dates: https://bit.ly/3z5wCge

By Steve Tomkowiak March 25, 2025
A prior post summarized the allegations in a federal court case that was filed after numerous incidents of alleged racial harassment that drove a Black family their Grosse Point Park home. Black Woman and Her Daughter Sue Former White Neighbor for KKK Flag Display and Other Threats . On March 21, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Linda V. Parker, after carefully reviewing the allegations in the complaint and applicable law, entered an Opinion and Order Denying Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss. Judge Parker found that the complaint sufficiently alleged racial animus in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1982. The facts are deplorable, as those who read the decision will no doubt notice, and embarrassing to our community. Congratulations to the students attorneys from the U of M Law School’s Civil Rights Litigation Initiative (CRLI) handling the litigation, under the fine leadership of long-time fair housing attorney and now U of M Law School Professor Mike Steinberg . Opinion and Order Denying Motion to Dismiss, Dinges v. Wilde, No. 23-12885 (E.D. Mich. Mar. 21, 2025)
By Steve Tomkowiak March 7, 2025
University of Michigan Law School Professor Michelle Adams ’ research interests include race discrimination, school desegregation, affirmative action, and housing law. Two of Professor Adams’ students, Michelle Landry and Victoria Pedri (pictured above) from Professor Adams’ Race, Law, and History course, developed a “ Detroit School Integration Timeline ”. The timeline traces the history from Detroit’s establishment of its first “colored school”, to the Dred Scott decision, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1875, the Great Migration, racially restrictive covenants, redlining, the Birwood (Eight Mile) Wall, white flight, the enactment of the Fair Housing Act, the Milliken v. Bradley decision and efforts to desegregate Detroit schools, through the recent decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. The timeline is informative, user-friendly and includes many helpful videos. Congratulations to Michelle and Victoria for creating this amazing resource. Detroit School Integration Timeline Legal History Project: Detroit, Michigan (Law students Michelle Landry and Victoria Pedri briefly introduce themselves and thank viewers for checking out their timeline project)
By Steve Tomkowiak December 10, 2024
The Livonia Housing Commission has announced the opening of its Housing Choice Voucher (HVC) waiting list. To apply successfully, you need to provide the Commission with the following information: The first and last names of all members of your household The Social security numbers and birthdates of all members of your household. Total gross annual income of everyone in your household. This includes wages, child support, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), General Assistance and Unemployment Income. A valid mailing address and email address. Only one application is permitted per household. Accurate information must be submitted in order to contact applicants if they are selected in the lottery. How to Apply Use this link to start the application process. At the bottom of the page, click Get Started . Persons with disabilities who require accommodations with the online waitlist application, may call the Livonia Housing Commission at (734) 634-0294 or send an email to kwesley@livonia.gov . (If you do not have the social security numbers, please contact the Fair Housing Center by phone at 313-579-3247 or by email to info@fairhousingdetroit.org.)
By Steve Tomkowiak August 30, 2024
Yes, but the policy must be carefully reviewed.
By Steve Tomkowiak August 17, 2024
Congress’ Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) - 42 U.S .C. § 3616a
By Steve Tomkowiak July 18, 2024
Join the Detroit Reinvestment Coalition, Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD) and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) on September 24, 2024 for Just Economy: Detroit!
By Steve Tomkowiak May 9, 2024
Save the Date: June 12, 2024
By Steve Tomkowiak April 2, 2024
The Fair Housing Center Welcomes Renae Johnson as a New Board Member
By Steve Tomkowiak March 22, 2024
Approval of a Grant to the Legal Aid and Defender Ass'n to Help Tenants Get Needed Repairs at no Charge
By Steve Tomkowiak March 13, 2024
Pontiac’s Private Right of Action Provision a Model for Other Jurisdictions
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