Housing discrimination based on race

Issue: Housing discrimination based on race

Muyamina v. DEC, et als., Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination; Suffolk County Superior Court No: PLCV2002-00864, Boston, Massachusetts

Counsel: Martha M. Wishart, Sandy P. Botelho

We represented the Complainants, an interracial couple, in a case of housing discrimination based on race. The Complainants alleged that based on their respective national origins/races and status as an interracial couple, the seller and broker conspired to deny them Equal Housing Opportunity by requiring more stringent credit and financing approvals than were necessary, and ultimately, refusing to sign the offer to purchase. We led the client through the complaint process before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the Superior Court. The Attorney General also intervened against the defendants, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. After the Discovery stage, and prior to Trial, the case was settled for an undisclosed amount.