Source: ABC 7 —
LONG ISLAND (WABC) — Three Long Island real estate brokerages have agreed to pay a $115,000 settlement over claims of illegal housing discrimination, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.
The agents associated at the firms allegedly steered prospective homebuyers of color away from white neighborhoods, subjected them to different requirements than white homebuyers, and otherwise engaged in biased behavior.
Following an investigation conducted by Newsday, state officials opened parallel investigations into Keller Williams Greater Nassau, Keller Williams Realty Elite and Laffey Real Estate that officials say confirmed they engaged in discriminatory practices that violated state and federal fair housing laws.
“Efforts to discriminate against any New Yorker’s fair access to housing cannot, and will not, be tolerated,” James said. “These investigations have uncovered a pervasive culture of allowing unlawful discrimination and violations of every New Yorker’s right to fair housing. These settlements should send a clear message: if you discriminate and deny New Yorkers their basic right to housing, we will take action. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul and her administration for helping address these unacceptable housing discrimination practices on Long Island and throughout our great state.”
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