The Federal Civil Rights Enforcement Effort--1974. Volume II: To Provide ... For Fair Housing.

This report evaluates the Civil Rights activities of seven federal agencies with fair housing responsibilities. It is the second of a series of six reports to be issued by the Commission on Civil Rights describing the structure, mechanisms, and procedures utilized by the federal departments and agencies in their effort to end discrimination against this nation's minority and female citizens. The purpose of these reports, it is stated, is to offer, after a careful analysis, recommendations for the improvement of those programs which require change. Highlights of the conclusions of this report include the following: it is asserted that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the major agency with responsibilities for fair housing, has invested considerable time and resources in dealing with complaints; HUD has failed to conduct sufficient and systematic fair housing reviews of State and local governments, housing authorities, builders and developers, real estate brokers, managers, or lenders; HUD has not adequately monitored compliance agreements or affirmative marketing plans; and, it is held that few significant actions have been taken by the other agencies with fair housing responsibilities to impact on the country's serious problem of housing discrimination. (Author/JM)