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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

U.S. Justice Dept. hits Montana landlord with $25,000 discrimination fine

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Thursday, September 5, 2024   

The U.S. Justice Department has issued a ruling against a Livingston, Montana, landlord for discriminating against a tenant. The consent decree requires the defendant to complete training on discrimination in housing and awards the complainant $25,000.

A tenant of a Livingston apartment complex alleged Yellowstone Apartments landlord Dana Christian discriminated against her after the tenant asked Christian to stop making advances toward her daughter who was visiting her mother from Russia. The complaint alleged Christian made life increasingly difficult for the tenant after the complaint, even though she had lived there for years with no issues. The Justice Department ordered Christian to pay $25,000 to compensate her for moving costs, time and emotional hardship.

Pam Bean, executive director of the nonprofit Montana Fair Housing, said the ruling sets a precedent for equal housing opportunity.

"When issues arise such as did with this complainant, there's an avenue to address those, hopefully prior to the filing of complaints," Bean explained.

The federal court ruling also requires Christian to undergo training on what constitutes housing discrimination and post Montana's fair housing guidelines on the properties he manages.

Bean called the ruling a win for renters across Montana, who sometimes feel like they do not have the power to fight landlord discrimination cases for fear of the same type of retribution laid out in the Christian case.

"Providing housing providers the message that this behavior is intolerable and is illegal," Bean added.

Christian has not responded to requests for comment.

Disclosure: Montana Fair Housing contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Consumer Issues, and Housing/Homelessness. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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