Jennifer Ludden
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If HUD really wants to change policies so dramatically, the judge said, it needs to do the work and go through Congress.
Instead, she said, the chaos seems to be the point.
Jennifer Ludden, NPR News, Washington.
In an oral ruling from the bench, Judge Mary McIlroy in Rhode Island says it's likely HUD's overhaul is unlawful and agreed with critics that it could push many people back into homelessness in the middle of winter, causing irreparable harm.
HUD has sought major cuts to permanent housing and instead wants to beef up transitional housing that requires people to work and get treatment.
But the overhaul was announced so late in the year, many places are set to run out of money before new funds flow.
If HUD really wants to change policies so dramatically, the judge said, it needs to do the work and go through Congress.
Instead, she said, the chaos seems to be the point.
Jennifer Ludden, NPR News, Washington.
HUD essentially accuses Boston of discriminating against white people when it comes to buying or renting affordable housing, citing programs that target black and Latinx families.
In a statement, HUD Secretary Scott Turner calls this a, quote, ideological commitment to DEI rather than merit or need.
and in a letter to Boston's mayor, the agency says racial preferences are unconstitutional.
On its website, Boston says it's made historic progress as it strives to boost affordable housing across the city.
In recent months, former HUD civil rights lawyers have accused the agency of violating the law.
They say it's interfered in fair housing cases against minorities and others.
Jennifer Ludden, NPR News, Washington.
States, cities and non-profits warned that HUD's overhaul could push 170,000 people back into homelessness.
In a surprise move, the agency told the court it will withdraw its changes for now to address such concerns.
But a government lawyer said HUD still intends to shift toward more transitional housing and mandated treatment.
The agency has also set new conditions for who can get money based on alignment with Trump administration policies, such as DEI and restricting transgender rights.