On June 25, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in the case entitled, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs et al. v. Inclusive Community Project, Inc., et al., examining the question of whether “disparate impact claims are cognizable under the Fair Housing Act….”(576 U.S.____(2015)). In other words, is it appropriate for the Court to consider claims alleging discrimination where a particular statute or regulation appears neutral on its face; but application appears to create an “after-the-fact” discriminatory effect or disparate impact on members of a protected class?

The Supreme Court held, in a 5-4 decision, with Justice Anthony Kennedy writing for the majority, that disparate impact claims are appropriate for consideration by the courts, but that care should be taken when considering these types of cases so as not to impose “racial targets or quotas.” Click here to read the opinion.