Paramus property owner refused to rent to woman because she is black, HUD claims

Sarah Nolan | NorthJersey

Show Caption Hide Caption Rally against discrimination in Palisades Park, NJ Community members rally against racism and intolerance in Palisades Park, NJ.

PARAMUS – A borough property owner has been charged with discrimination by a federal housing authority after allegedly refusing to rent an apartment to a black woman because of her race.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development further alleges that John Graham, owner of three Paramus properties, used racial slurs in a text message he sent to the woman, informing her that she did “not make the cut” to rent a two-bedroom apartment that was advertised on Craigslist.

The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to deny housing to someone because of his or her race or color.

“No one looking for housing should be rejected because of race, much less be subjected to the indignity of racial slurs,” said J. Paul Compton, HUD’s general counsel. “This charge sends a clear message that HUD will protect the housing rights of all persons to the fullest extent of the law.”

Graham could not be reached for comment Friday.

The case came to HUD’s attention when the woman, whose name is redacted from documents, filed a complaint against Graham alleging that she and her young son were denied the opportunity to rent the apartment because they are black.

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In early February 2017, the woman saw the apartment listed on Craigslist and contacted Graham. He asked her to come visit the property that same day and when she said she could not come until Saturday, two days later, he hung up on her, according to HUD.

She later sent him a text message asking for photos of the two-bedroom apartment, the address of which has also been redacted from documents, and inquired about visiting. He replied “No thank you. Do not make the cut.”

When the woman questioned his response, Graham said the apartment had been rented, then wrote "N----- free zone. White power white power,” the charge says.

He later referred to his "slave" and her “slave tone” and wrote “KKK.”

Graham entered a lease with the current renters on Feb. 15 – about two weeks after the woman inquired about the apartment, the charge says. Documents show they were approved to move into the property as of April 1, 2017.

HUD claims Graham violated the Fair Housing Act on several counts, including refusing to negotiate for the rental of a dwelling because of a person’s race or color. It is also unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted by the act, the charge says.

"Fifty years after our nation passed a law prohibiting discrimination in housing, some individuals are still being denied a place to live because of the color of their skin,” said Anna Maria Farias, HUD’s assistant secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “[This] action reflects HUD’s commitment to protecting the rights of home seekers, no matter their race, and taking action against housing providers that break the law.”

As a result of Graham’s discriminatory actions, the woman has suffered actual damages, including out-of-pocket expenses, and emotional distress, the charge says.

HUD’s charge will be heard by an administrative law judge, unless any party to the charge elects to have the case heard in federal district court, the charge says.

The agency is seeking damages to fully compensate the woman for any distress caused by Graham’s alleged discriminatory conduct.

Email: nolan@northjersey.com