East Hampton Housing Authority settles emotional support dog discrimination case
Federal prosecutors said that for 19 months in 2021 and 2022, the housing authority "took the erroneous position" that emotional support animals did not qualify as a reasonable accommodation under federal law.
More Stories
A minor who was at the center of a discrimination lawsuit against the East Hampton Housing Authority after being denied the right to live with his emotional support dog has reached a settlement with the agency.
Federal prosecutors said that for 19 months in 2021 and 2022, the housing authority "took the erroneous position" that emotional support animals did not qualify as a reasonable accommodation under federal law.
Consequently, the dog was not permitted to live with him to help manage his disability.
The housing authority has now agreed to settle the Fair Housing Act lawsuit, paying the family $82,500 upon a release of claims.
"The settlement will ensure equal access to housing for all East Hampton Housing Authority tenants who demonstrate their need for a reasonable accommodation for assistance animals under the Fair Housing Act," prosecutors wrote.
The agreement also allows the U.S. government to monitor the housing authority's adherence to the settlement terms going forward.
