PRRAC — Connecting Research to Advocacy

Poverty & Race Research Action Council

Federal Housing Advocacy – by Program

PRRAC focuses much of its research and advocacy on the impact of federal housing policy on racial and economic segregation in America, and the search for meaningful remedies.  We believe that it is important to invest in and improve the quality of life for low-income people of color in disinvested communities, but also that the affirmative vision of civil rights policy cannot stop there.  We also work to develop explicit, complementary policies to reduce racial and economic segregation and expand access to high opportunity communities for low-income families of color.

Included on this page are our policy briefs and advocacy communications with the Department of Housing & Urban Development, the Department of Treasury and other agencies on specific federal policy issues.

Disparate Impact (Discriminatory Effects Standard)

The Discriminatory Effects Standard (commonly known as Disparate Impact) of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 upholds our societal obligation to fairness by respecting and protecting equal opportunity. The goal of the Disparate Impact standard is to root out unjustified practices that discriminate against groups protected by the Fair Housing Act, even where there is no specific evidence of discriminatory intent.  The standard is based on an understanding of how hidden, stubborn prejudice can result in needless, facially neutral policies that discriminate against protected classes in practice.  Without clear support for this standard from the federal government, both public and private actors will be given virtual license to design and implement discriminatory policies. 

Relevant materials

HUD Performance Overviews

Advocacy and Resources on Federal Housing Programs