Annapolis, December 16, 2025

The City of Annapolis has entered mediation for a class-action lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in public housing. This development follows leadership changes in the city’s legal team, aimed at expediting conflict resolution. The lawsuit, initiated in May, implicates the City and Housing Authority for neglecting essential inspections, resulting in hazardous living conditions for numerous residents. The Annapolis Human Relations Commission is also involved in handling discrimination complaints.

Annapolis Enters Mediation in Housing Discrimination Class Action

Efforts Underway to Resolve Lawsuit Alleging Racial Discrimination

Annapolis, Maryland – The City of Annapolis has initiated mediation in a class-action lawsuit that alleges racial discrimination in public housing. This significant decision comes in light of recent leadership changes within the city’s legal department, aiming to expedite conflict resolution and foster community trust.

Background of the Lawsuit

The class-action lawsuit was filed in May 2021 against both the City of Annapolis and the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA). Plaintiffs contend that the city and HACA neglected to perform necessary inspections of public housing units, which purportedly resulted in residents facing dangers posed by lead exposure, mold, and pest infestations. The allegations include violations of the Fair Housing Act and other federal civil rights statutes, impacting approximately 1,500 class members, a notable increase from the earlier case with 52 plaintiffs that culminated in a $1.8 million settlement, with both the city and HACA sharing the financial responsibility. The current class-action case uniquely identifies the city as the sole defendant.

Recent Developments

The mediation decision follows the election of Mayor Jared Littmann and the subsequent replacement of the city attorney, D. Michael Lyles, who had served for six years. Lyles’ departure marked a pivotal moment, particularly as he had recently filed motions to decertify the class and for summary judgment—a move that took many by surprise given the class’s prior approval nearly three years ago. With Lyles no longer at the helm, the city has since withdrawn these motions and opted to refer the ongoing cases to U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Austin for mediation, indicating a commitment to resolving these serious allegations while minimizing ongoing litigation burdens.

City’s Commitment to Fair Housing

The Annapolis Human Relations Commission (HRC) plays a crucial role in addressing housing discrimination complaints across the city. Its mission is to facilitate equal opportunity and fair treatment for all residents within Annapolis. Those who suspect they have encountered housing discrimination are encouraged to file complaints with the HRC. Initial steps typically involve mediation, fostering dialogue between the complainant and the alleged violation party. If mediation does not yield results, the HRC can conduct public hearings to sort through the complaints and determine the next steps necessitated by the findings.

By pursuing mediation, the city signals its responsiveness to the community’s needs and its willingness to engage in proactive measures to confront the challenges of housing discrimination. The outcomes of this mediation will be watched closely by the city’s residents and stakeholders, seeking to ensure that the principles of fair housing remain upheld.

Key Features of the Annapolis Housing Discrimination Lawsuit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ Schema in JSON-LD Format

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    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the Annapolis Human Relations Commission (HRC)?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The Annapolis Human Relations Commission is a city board established in 1963 to ensure equal opportunity in Annapolis. It handles complaints related to discrimination in areas such as housing, education, employment, and public accommodations."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How does the HRC handle complaints of discrimination?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "If the HRC determines that a complaint may have merit, it will first try to resolve the problem through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the HRC may refer the case to appropriate state or federal agencies with a recommendation that it be investigated. In housing cases, the HRC may hold a public hearing to determine whether the complaint has validity."
      }
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    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How can residents file a complaint of housing discrimination?",
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        "text": "Residents who believe they have experienced housing discrimination can file a complaint with the Annapolis Human Relations Commission. The commission accepts complaints in person, by mail, telephone, or email. More information is available on the city's official website."
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    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What are the potential outcomes of the mediation process?",
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        "text": "If the parties reach a settlement during mediation, the complaints are withdrawn, and the investigation case is closed. If mediation does not result in a settlement, the case continues through the normal investigation process."
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      "name": "What is the role of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights in housing discrimination cases?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing discrimination laws in the state. The Commission investigates allegations of housing discrimination and works to resolve the problem. Victims of housing discrimination may also file a lawsuit with the appropriate state court."
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