The Right to Live in an Integrated Community: Gladstone Realtors v. Village of Bellwood

Abstract

The Supreme Court in Gladstone Realtors v. Village of Bellwood recently held that the village of Bellwood, Illinois, and homeowners residing in a racially integrated area of the village have standing to challenge racial steering practices under §812 of the 1968 Fair Housing Act. (For an abstract of the opinion see 31 ZD 241.) Because the federal courts have been hesitant to grant standing to challenge various practices, this case signals a new willingness on the part of the Court to hear open housing cases. Just how expansive an interpretation should be made of the decision is, of course, a matter that is subject to debate.