Racism and Discrimination in North Texas Homeowners Association

Federal officials depicted a startling account of racism and discrimination at a North Texas homeowners association: Racial slurs flooding neighborhood Facebook pages as white supremacist organizations passed out flyers.

A years-long investigation found Providence Village Homeowners Association, a small community in Denton County, tried to kick out residents who receive government assistance to pay rent, nearly all of whom were Black. In January, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development referred the case to the Justice Department for litigation.

One month later, the agency withdrew the case with no explanation, leaving the investigation in limbo. As a result, members of the homeowners association could face no government penalties, and alleged victims could receive no compensation, according to the nonprofit journalism organization ProPublica, which first reported on the development.

Housing advocates say the withdrawal is unprecedented and could signal a rollback of civil rights enforcement at the agency under President Donald Trump and HUD Secretary Scott Turner, who is from Texas.

Background of the Case

The controversy began in 2021 when two teenagers, one Black and one white, got into a fight, according to federal court documents. Some residents blamed housing voucher recipients for what they saw as an increase in crime. At the time of the fight, about 4% of households in the village paid rent with federal housing vouchers. Of those, more than 90% were Black, according to HUD.

Over the next several months, some residents drafted an amendment to ban residents who pay rent with government subsidies and fine landlords $300 a week until those renters are gone. The association’s president, Jennifer Dautrich, organized a committee of two dozen homeowners who went door to door to persuade others to vote for the amendment, and organizers inundated homeowners with daily automated email reminders to vote.

Racist Posts and Threats

Racist posts filled the town’s social media pages, calling housing voucher recipients “wild animals” and “lazy entitled leeching TR@SH.” Although the pages were unofficial, many of the HOA’s board members belonged to the groups and regularly interacted.

On two separate occasions, a white supremacist organization protested outside the development, handing out flyers that said voucher recipients were bringing “unimaginable violence.” They also delivered flyers to people’s homes that said, “Blacks bring crime and violence.”

Withdrawal of the Case

The decision to withdraw the case aligns with the new administration’s priorities. Under Trump, the housing agency paused at least $60 million in funding intended largely for affordable housing developments nationwide, throwing hundreds of projects into limbo. In January, the Justice Department ordered a freeze on all civil rights litigation.

Representatives for HUD and the Department of Justice did not respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment Wednesday.

Impact on Residents

In late May 2022, the HOA’s amendment won enough votes, threatening to displace about 600 residents; roughly 93% were Black, and all but five households were led by women. Fearing homelessness if they were evicted, at least 19 households moved from Providence Village, according to court documents. Some lost wages, and even their jobs, to take time off to move. Others felt unsafe due to the rhetoric and purchased security cameras.

Stephen Smith moved with his family to Providence Village in 2021, following an injury he received while working as a truck driver during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said he turned to housing assistance not as a handout, but as a temporary support system while he recovered. Smith still lives in Providence Village with his family, including three sons, ages 15, 12 and 8.

Response from Housing Advocates

“People are seriously concerned about whether federal fair housing enforcement is in jeopardy,” Sara Pratt, a former HUD official and attorney with Relman Colfax, which represents the Denton Housing Authority, told The Dallas Morning News on Wednesday.

The HOA’s rule drew ire from affordable housing activists, residents and landlords, who filed 53 complaints with HUD. The Texas Legislature in 2023 passed a law prohibiting HOAs from discriminating against tenants based on their method of payment. The law, pushed by Texas Rep. Chris Turner, a Grand Prairie Democrat, was considered a rare but big win for low-income Texans.

Next Steps

Following the case’s withdrawal, Pratt said she is discussing the next steps with her client.

“The Denton Housing Authority would like to see justice done,” she said. “It would like to see the case move forward.”

Smith said the stalled suit has left his family and others without answers or justice.

“Discrimination is illegal. Targeting disabled Americans and veterans is illegal. Allowing hate-fueled harassment is illegal,” Smith said. “Yet, those responsible still haven’t been held accountable.”

Conclusion

The withdrawal of the case against Providence Village Homeowners Association has left many questions unanswered and has sparked concerns about the rollback of civil rights enforcement. The case highlights the ongoing struggle for fair housing and the need for continued advocacy and action to protect the rights of vulnerable communities.

FAQs

Q: What is the Providence Village Homeowners Association?

A: The Providence Village Homeowners Association is a small community in Denton County, Texas, that has been accused of trying to kick out residents who receive government assistance to pay rent.

Q: What is the nature of the allegations against the HOA?

A: The HOA is accused of discriminating against residents who receive government assistance, with racist posts and threats made against them on social media and in person.

Q: What has been the response from housing advocates?

A: Housing advocates have expressed concern about the withdrawal of the case and the potential rollback of civil rights enforcement. They are discussing next steps and seeking justice for the affected residents.

Q: What can be done to prevent similar cases in the future?

A: To prevent similar cases, it is essential to continue advocating for fair housing and protecting the rights of vulnerable communities. This can include supporting legislation that prohibits discrimination based on method of payment and holding accountable those who engage in discriminatory practices.