FAQ: Minnesota Court of Appeals Ruling on Public Housing Civil Rights Case Against Minneapolis and MPHA
Summary
What is this lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleges that the City of Minneapolis violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by failing to conduct routine inspections of public housing dwellings while inspecting private rentals, and that MPHA violated laws by not obtaining rental licenses and maintaining safe, habitable housing.
Why is this court ruling significant?
The ruling removes immunity defenses that had blocked the case, allowing public housing residents to have their claims heard on merit and challenging over 30 years of alleged failure to provide required housing services and quality.
Who are the plaintiffs in this case?
The plaintiffs are Kimberly Lowry and Jeanne Harris, who lead the case on behalf of a proposed class of current and former public housing residents in Minneapolis.
What did the Minnesota Court of Appeals decide?
The Court of Appeals reversed MPHA’s summary judgment win, affirmed the denial of the City’s immunity motion, and held that both entities are not immune from suit regarding the inspection and licensing claims.
When was this lawsuit originally filed?
The lawsuit was filed in September 2021 in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
What specific failures are alleged against the City of Minneapolis?
The City is accused of violating its ministerial duty to adopt policies for systematic inspections of all rental dwellings, specifically failing to inspect public housing while inspecting private rentals.
What are the implications of this ruling for public housing residents?
The ruling gives residents the opportunity to prove their claims in court and potentially secure equal inspection and licensing services that private rental residents have received for decades.
Who represents the public housing residents in this case?
The residents are represented by Anna P. Prakash and Matthew C. Helland of Nichols Kaster, PLLP; John R. Shoemaker and Paul F. Shoemaker of Shoemaker & Shoemaker, PLLC; and Larry McDonough.
What is the case number and where is it filed?
The case is Lowry, et al. v. City of Minneapolis, et. al, Case No. 27-cv-21-10928, filed in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District Court.
This story is based on an article that was registered on the blockchain. The original source content used for this article is located at 24-7 Press Release
Article Control ID: 168592