This summer, we celebrated two key court decisions that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights was involved in. 

👀 In the coming weeks and months, you'll continue to hear from us about cases we're working on through this newsletter. Stay tuned!

1. Minnesota Supreme Court makes key decision in housing discrimination case

In July, the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld a Minneapolis ordinance banning landlords from discriminating against someone because they use public assistance to pay their rent. 

This aligns with the amicus brief that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights submitted to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

• Why it's important: This decision is a stride in the right direction towards clarifying the Minnesota Human Rights Act through the Housing Stability Act that no Minnesotan should be denied housing because they pay for their rent with rental assistance.

• Catch up quick: In 1973, Minnesota legislators decided it is a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act for a landlord to discriminate against someone because they pay their rent with rental assistance. However, in 2010, the Court of Appeals wrongly applied the Minnesota Human Rights Act when it allowed landlords to discriminate against someone who is a recipient of Section 8, a federal public assistance program.

• What's next: It's time for Minnesota legislators to clarify what has been the law for 50+ years by passing the Housing Stability Act.

2. Department of Human Rights approved to join lawsuit against Absolute Drywall

In June, a Minnesota state court ruled that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights can officially join a lawsuit against Absolute Drywall, a company that allowed sexual harassment and rape in the workplace.

This ruling comes after the Minnesota Department of Human Rights conducted a comprehensive investigation, found Absolute Drywall violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and filed to join a lawsuit against the company. 

• Why it's important: Minnesotans - especially those working in the construction industry where sexual harassment is a prevalent issue – have the right to live free from discrimination and sexual assault. The court’s ruling affirms our right to uphold that protection under the law.

• Catch up quick: In 2021, Norma Izaguirre began working as a drywall laborer for Absolute Drywall. An employee consistently sexually harassed Norma, made unwanted sexual advances, and assaulted her. The employee also raped Norma. Norma reported the harassment to Absolute Drywall five times, but the company did not take any meaningful action to stop the harassment, allowing it to continue.

• What's next: In court, we will seek court-ordered changes that require Absolute Drywall to create a workplace where no one is discriminated against, sexually harassed, or raped, as well as require Absolute Drywall to pay Norma.