The signatories to these comments bring unique perspective and expertise to combatting segregation. Since their founding, starting in the late 1960s, the mission of these Lawyers’ Committees was, and continues to be, to fight civil rights violations, racial injustice and poverty in our communities through litigation and advocacy, enlisting the pro bono resources of the private bar. The Committees have witnessed and participated in development of the case law and regulations that have given life to the FHA and have seen how HUD’s disparate impact rule has provided a balanced method to achieve integration and housing opportunity. Fair and equal housing opportunity remains a central goal of each Committee’s work, as we continue to address the persistent patterns of housing segregation in communities across the country. Based on our historical perspective and current knowledge and experience, we strongly support a reaffirmation of the Rule and urge HUD to avoid amendments that would diminish its even-handed effectiveness.
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