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Fort Norfolk Retirement Community Inc. Accused of Disability Discrimination in Virginia
In a shocking case of disability discrimination, Fort Norfolk Retirement Community Inc. has been accused of violating the Fair Housing Act. According to a recent consent order, the company, which operates Harbor’s Edge, a continuing care retirement community in Norfolk, Virginia, instituted policies that discriminated against residents with disabilities.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges that beginning in May 2011, Fort Norfolk prohibited and then limited residents in the assisted living, nursing, and memory support units from dining in dining rooms or attending community events with independent living residents. The company also retaliated against residents and family members who complained about these policies.
Furthermore, the complaint alleges that Fort Norfolk had policies that discriminated against residents who used motorized wheelchairs by requiring them to pay a non-refundable fee, obtain liability insurance, and obtain the company’s permission.
Under the consent order, Fort Norfolk will pay $350,000 into a settlement fund to compensate residents and family members who were harmed by these policies. The company will also pay a $40,000 civil penalty to the United States.
In addition to the financial penalties, Fort Norfolk will be required to appoint a Fair Housing Act compliance officer and implement new policies, including a new dining and events policy, a new reasonable accommodation policy, and a new motorized wheelchair policy.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division praised Fort Norfolk’s willingness to work with the government to achieve this important resolution.
Individuals who believe they were subjected to unlawful discrimination at Harbor’s Edge should contact the Justice Department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox #5, or email the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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