Bank of America v. City of Miami

Whether cities have standing to sue under the Fair Housing Act for the economic impact of discriminatory banking practices.

The predatory lending practices that led to the housing crisis in 2008 had a disproportionate impact on racial minorities.  Those practices also led to increased foreclosures that reduced the tax base of cities like Miami, and increased the  need for social services.  In an amicus brief filed with a coalition of other civil rights groups, the ACLU argues that this economic injury is sufficient to give cities standing to sue under the Fair Housing Act.  We also document the long history of housing discrimination, both public and private, and its impact on racial segregation.