NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced a settlement agreement May 17 with the German American Settlement League (GASL) after allegations the nonprofit organization committed housing discrimination on the basis of race and national origin.
According to Schneiderman’s office, the GSL historically excluded non-white, non-German individuals from membership and home ownership in its community. As per the settlement agreement, the organization will need to reform its policies and practices in order to comply with existing federal, state and local fair housing laws, in addition to not-for-profit corporation laws.
“The GASL’s discriminatory practices were a remnant of a disgraceful past that has no place in New York or anywhere,” Schneiderman said. “This agreement will, once and for all, put an end to the GASL’s discrimination, ensuring that all New Yorkers are afforded equal access to housing opportunities — regardless of their race or national origin. My office will continue to uphold and protect all New Yorkers’ fundamental right to equal access to housing.”
Handling the case for New York were assistant attorneys general Diane Lucas of the civil rights bureau and Catherine Suvari of the charities bureau.