DURHAM, NC – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, marking a significant step in addressing housing discrimination and strengthening America’s fair housing workforce. This collaboration, unveiled during an event at NCCU, aims to cultivate the next generation of fair housing policy and litigation leaders while addressing systemic inequities in the housing market.
A Landmark Collaboration
The partnership, developed through NCCU’s Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute and HUD’s National Fair Housing Training Academy (NFHTA), seeks to provide NCCU law students with cutting-edge training and opportunities in fair housing enforcement.
“This first-of-its-kind partnership between North Carolina Central University’s School of Law and HUD’s National Fair Housing Training Academy will provide the next generation of fair housing practitioners with the tools to combat housing discrimination in North Carolina and across the nation,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman.
Starting in spring 2025, NCCU law students will participate in specialized fair housing litigation courses taught by both NFHTA and NCCU faculty. Fifteen students annually will engage in real-world enforcement scenarios, preparing them for careers in civil rights law and housing equity. The program also includes internships and career opportunities within HUD-funded fair housing partner agencies, creating a pipeline for future practitioners.
Addressing Housing Inequities
This partnership reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to promoting equity and fairness in housing. By collaborating with NCCU, a public historically Black university (HBCU) with a strong tradition of advocacy and community engagement, HUD is advancing efforts to combat housing discrimination and enforce the Fair Housing Act.
“In the corridors of academia, where minds are molded and perspectives shaped, HUD recognizes the pivotal role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in fostering social justice consciousness,” said Diane M. Shelley, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
A Historical Context
The partnership launch at NCCU included a convening that explored the history and impact of racial discrimination, segregation, and urban renewal in Durham, particularly in the Hayti community. Distinguished panelists discussed the enduring effects of these policies and the importance of fair housing initiatives in addressing structural inequities.
“HUD’s partnership with NCCU honors the legacy of civil rights advocacy while addressing the urgent need for equity in housing markets nationwide,” Shelley added.
Local and National Impact
NCCU School of Law Dean Patricia Timmons-Goodson, a former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice, emphasized the broader significance of this collaboration:
“We are hugely optimistic that great benefits will accrue to our law students and the broader community,” Timmons-Goodson said.
By equipping students with practical skills and connecting them to meaningful opportunities, the initiative aims to strengthen fair housing efforts not only in North Carolina but across the country.
What This Means for Durham and Beyond
Durham, with its rich civil rights history and ongoing challenges related to housing affordability and access, serves as an ideal backdrop for this partnership. The collaboration between HUD and NCCU has the potential to inspire similar initiatives at other institutions, amplifying the national effort to combat housing discrimination.
Stay Informed with the Bull City Citizen
As Durham continues to lead in innovative solutions for equity and justice, The Bull City Citizen is dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of initiatives like this. Our reporting connects you to stories that shape our city and our nation. Subscribe today to stay informed about how Durham continues to impact the fight for fair housing and equality.
