HUD has launched a civil rights investigation into Boston, alleging the city used federal grants to implement DEI-driven, race-based housing preferences that may violate the Fair Housing Act and Title VI. The agency cited Boston documents that propose targeting outreach to "Black and Latinx families" and directing "at least 65%" of certain opportunities to BIPOC households. HUD will review whether federal funds were misused and determine any required corrective actions.
HUD Opens Civil Rights Probe Into Boston’s DEI Housing Policies, Alleges Race-Based Preferences
The Department of Housing and Urban Development opened an investigation into Boston's DEI housing practices, alleging violations of the federal Fair Housing Act.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on Thursday that it has opened a civil rights investigation into the City of Boston, alleging certain diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) housing practices may violate federal anti-discrimination laws.
Investigation Overview
HUD says it has evidence that Boston may have used federal grant assistance to implement what the agency describes as "race-based preferences," potentially breaching the Fair Housing Act and Title VI. The investigation follows a formal letter HUD sent to the Mayor’s Office of Housing notifying city officials that the department had "reason to believe" federal funds were being misapplied.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is investigating whether Boston was using federal grant assistance for "race-based preferences," in violation of the Fair Housing Act and Title VI.
Allegations and Documents Cited
HUD cited Boston’s Fair Housing Assessment, which it says pledges to "target homebuyer outreach" to "Black and Latinx families," and directs departments to collect racial and ethnic data "to evaluate their work through a racial equity/social justice lens." The agency also pointed to Boston’s Housing Strategy 2025, which HUD says specifies that "at least 65%" of homeownership opportunities created through city initiatives should be allocated to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) households.
"We believe the City of Boston has engaged in a social engineering project that intentionally advances discriminatory housing policies driven by an ideological commitment to DEI rather than merit or need," HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a statement. "HUD is committed to protecting every American’s civil rights and will thoroughly investigate the City’s stated goal of 'integrating racial equity into every layer of city government.'"
Context And Next Steps
HUD said the inquiry will determine whether federal grant assistance was used to favor residents on the basis of race, which would violate federal law. Secretary Turner also referenced HUD's biennial "Worst Case Housing Needs Report," saying its findings underscore pressures on the housing market he attributed in part to immigration-related strains, a link Turner has publicly emphasized.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner stated on Dec. 11 that Boston "has engaged in a social engineering project that intentionally advances discriminatory housing policies driven by an ideological commitment to DEI rather than merit or need."
HUD officials stated they will continue to review documents and policies and may demand remedial action if violations are found. The City of Boston was contacted for comment by the reporting outlet.
What This Could Mean
If HUD finds that federal funds were used in violation of the Fair Housing Act or Title VI, the city could face requirements to change its policies, return or reallocate grant funds, or take other corrective measures to ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws.
