In November 2000, HUD filed charges on behalf of the Keys family, who filed a housing discrimination complaint saying they were intimidated out of buying the house in Brandon, Mississippi. HUD also filed charges on behalf of the seller's real estate agent, Katherine Beard, whose sales commission was reduced when the house eventually sold for less money to another buyer. In addition, Beard testified that Hope made a harassing phone call to her, saying that she "needed to get a lawyer because she would be thrown in jail for lying."

During a pre-settlement walk-through inspection of the house in April 1999, the Keys were introduced to Hope as he arrived home in his car. Beard, the sellers and Hope are white. Upon meeting his new neighbors, Hope stated a few times, "You're kidding me," and asked the Keys why they wanted to live there. When the Keys replied that the neighborhood seemed to be quiet and nice, Hope responded, "Yeah. It is. It's an all-white neighborhood."

Witnesses testified that Hope pointed to his backyard and said, "That's why my wife had to hold the dogs. They were going crazy, and they don't like blacks either." Hope pointed to a nearby house, stating that his neighbor, "who owns a gun shop, feels the same way I do."

The Keys testified that when Hope started moving back toward the dogs that they feared what he might do next, so they left as fast as they could. The Keys and Beard filed complaints with city police, and three days later the Keys withdrew their purchase offer and forfeited their deposit. A month later the Keys bought a less desirable house in a different neighborhood of Brandon.

HUD Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Robert Andretta issued an initial decision and order that Hope pay $126,900 in damages to the Keys and $8,140 to Beard. Hope must also pay an $11,000 civil penalty to the federal government.

This is believed to be one of the few cases in which a real estate agent has been awarded damages under the Fair Housing Act.

The Fair Housing Act bars housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status and national origin. The Act covers the sale, rental, financing, insuring and advertising of most of the nation's housing. Investigations are conducted by HUD, state and city agencies working with HUD, and by private fair housing groups that receive HUD funds. After a charge is filed, a hearing is held before an ALJ, unless a party elects to have the case heard in federal court.

Read the full news release

Anyone who believes they have experienced housing discrimination is asked to call HUD's Housing Discrimination Hotline at 1-800-669-9777, or visit HUD's fair housing website.

Tax-advantaged savings means there is no state and local income tax on U.S. Savings Bonds interest - effectively raising your overall return! And you won't pay Federal income tax on the interest until you cash your bond or it no longer pays interest, after 30 years. Buying U.S. Savings Bonds through the payroll savings plan is an easy way for HUD employees at any age and every grade to save for the future.

If you want extra cash for a more secure retirement, college tuition for the kids, even a dream vacation, the U.S. Savings Bond program and the payroll savings plan is perfect for you! What's more, your investment is good for America - the money you invest in savings bonds directly helps finance our country's borrowing needs.

To enroll for the first time or increase a current allotment, HUD employees should contact their office savings bond coordinator, or use Employee Express (www.employeeexpress.gov) to enroll or increase your savings at your convenience.