Suffolk County has announced a plan to fight housing discrimination on Long Island after a Newsday investigation revealed widespread racial discrimination against minority homebuyers.
The Newsday investigation showed how many real estate agents pushed minority homebuyers into integrated neighborhoods while white homebuyers were directed to whiter neighborhoods.
The Suffolk County Human Rights Commission is responsible for investigating allegations of housing discrimination. County Executive Steve Bellone says they will get the support the need.
“Part of the plan is strengthening the Human Rights Commission. That will involve immediately hiring an additional investigator and as needed on the basis of the complaints that are coming in, additional investigators.”
Bellone’s plan will also provide more public education so homebuyers can recognize discrimination.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has also announced an investigation into the allegations of housing discrimination on Long Island.
