hud regulations Tag

Bring on the Camels, Dragons, and Prayer Flags!

On December 20, 2001, the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) issued a statement regarding religious expression in public housing. HUD was concerned public housing authorities might misconstrue HUD policy to discriminate against people celebrating faith-based events. In the words of HUD Secretary Mel Martinez: “Now more than ever, it is important to support the celebration of diverse traditions and the joy of fellowship that comes with the holiday season.”

HUD’s policy is that public housing providers should allow both religious and non-religious symbols in the common area as a celebration of American diversity. HUD also cautioned that public housing providers must provide the same common area display opportunities to all religious faiths. Keep in mind the public housing authorities are regulated by the First Amendment, which prohibits restrictions on the free expression of religion.

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