Supreme Court of the United States
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Petitioners v. the Inclusive Communities Project, Inc…
June 25, 2015135 S. Ct. 2507
Summary
The Court held that disparate-impact claims are cognizable under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), relying on the statute's results-oriented language, analogous statutes (Title VII, ADEA), and congressional ratification in 1988. The Court emphasized limitations to avoid constitutional concerns, including a robust causality requirement and the use of race-neutral remedies. Justice Thomas and Justice Alito dissented, arguing the FHA text prohibits only intentional discrimination.