A Minnesota city has agreed not to disclose private medical information about renters with mental health issues and to pay $175,000 to resolve a complaint from the federal government that the city discriminated against mentally ill residents in enforcing an anti-crime law. The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday announced its agreement with the city of Anoka, a medium-sized suburb of Minneapolis. It addresses allegations that the city violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act by improperly pressuring landlords to evict tenants with mental health issues over multiple police or emergency calls to their addresses. The DOJ also filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against the city, but that case won’t go forward if a judge approves the agreement. The department told the city in a letter in November that an investigation showed illegal discrimination in enforcing a “crime-free” housing ordinance allowing the city to fine or deny rental licenses to landlords whose properties are deemed a nuisance or a source of criminal activity. In at least 780 cases from 2018 through mid-2023, the city issued weekly reports to landlords sharing details about people’s mental health crises and even how some tried to kill themselves, the DOJ said. |
Hong Kong loses 10,000 civil servants amid political crackdown — Radio Free AsiaCultural tourism effort in Dongtou bears fruitBiden hosts Czech leader at White House to promote Ukraine aid amid holdup in CongressHilarious moment Moto3 rider accidentally jumps onto a rival's bike midWorld awaits Chinese tourists' returnTestimony in USC case before labor relations board administrative judge could be wrapping upJudge to hear motion to dismiss Travis Scott from Astroworld lawsuitWho is the real1 killed, 11 more people hurt in shooting in New OrleansNational cultural parks enshrining Chinese ethos