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Practice Of Real EstateFair HousingHARD

A condominium association in Brookline, Massachusetts adopts a rule prohibiting any unit owner from displaying a flag or banner associated with any branch of the U.S. military. A unit owner who is a Navy veteran files a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), alleging discrimination based on military/veteran status under Chapter 151B. The association argues the rule is content-neutral and applies equally to all residents. The MCAD would most likely find that the rule is:

Correct Answer

A) Unlawful, because the rule has a discriminatory impact on military veterans, who are a protected class under Chapter 151B.

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B, military/veteran status is a protected class. A facially neutral rule that disproportionately burdens members of a protected class can constitute unlawful discrimination based on disparate impact, even without proof of discriminatory intent. A rule prohibiting military-affiliated displays uniquely burdens veterans, who are a protected class under Massachusetts law. The MCAD applies both disparate treatment and disparate impact analysis under Chapter 151B.

Answer Options
A
Unlawful, because the rule has a discriminatory impact on military veterans, who are a protected class under Chapter 151B.
B
Lawful, because condominium associations are exempt from Massachusetts Chapter 151B fair housing requirements.
C
Unlawful, but only if the veteran can prove the association adopted the rule with specific intent to target veterans.
D
Lawful, because the rule is facially neutral and applies equally to all unit owners regardless of veteran status.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

chapter_151bmilitary_veteran_statusdisparate_impactcondo_associationMCAD

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