Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Challenging Richton Park's “Crime-Free” Housing Ordinance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2025
CONTACT:
Zindy Marquez
Director of Communications
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
312.202.3657 (office)
zmarquez@clccrul.org
Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Challenging Richton Park's “Crime-Free” Housing Ordinance
Diamond Jones, mother of three, receives favorable settlement and Village of Richton Park changes discriminatory ordinance
RICHTON PARK, IL: A settlement has been reached in the lawsuit filed by Diamond Jones, mother of three and former resident of Richton Park, against the Village of Richton Park, Illinois, challenging the constitutionality of the Village’s “Crime-Free Housing Ordinance” (“CFO”). Ms. Jones, who was wrongfully evicted for seeking police assistance, has received a favorable settlement and the Village of Richton Park has amended its CFO. Ms. Jones was represented in this lawsuit by Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Winston & Strawn LLP.
After a year-long fight for justice, Ms. Jones settled favorably for $250,000, inclusive of attorney's fees. Importantly, the Village of Richton Park also amended their CFO in response to Ms. Jones’ lawsuit, adding due process protections for tenants and removing the provisions that had been used against her.
“I’m so glad I can put this behind me and that my story has led to meaningful changes in Richton Park’s housing policies,” said Ms. Jones. “More than anything, I never wanted someone else to have to go through what I experienced. Everyone should have the right to call for assistance without the fear of losing their home.”
The lawsuit was filed after Ms. Jones was evicted from her home of four years for making several calls to the police when her family was targeted by threats and gun violence. Under the original CFO, the Village required landlords to evict tenants for alleged criminal activity or for “causing an unreasonably high number of calls for police service.” Based on this, Ms. Jones was served a ten-day eviction notice by her landlord without being given the opportunity for due process. As a result, she and her family were forced to leave their home, experiencing significant hardship.
“This settlement not only brings relief to Ms. Jones but also represents an important victory in the fight against harmful and discriminatory housing policies,” said Micaela Alvarez, Program Counsel at Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. “We hope this case inspires other municipalities to reconsider these harmful ordinances and adopt policies that prioritize safety and housing stability.”
This settlement marks a significant step in the growing movement against CFOs, which have been increasingly criticized for targeting marginalized communities, including survivors of domestic violence and people with disabilities. Rather than promoting public safety, these ordinances destabilize families.
“We are very pleased with the opportunity to partner with Chicago Lawyers’ Committee on this important matter, and the result was a resounding victory for Diamond,” said George Lombardi, partner at Winston & Strawn. “This outcome should be a wake-up call for other municipalities with similar ordinances that lack adequate First and Fourteenth Amendment protections.”
Illinois has over 100 municipalities with so-called crime free and nuisance property ordinances. Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is a member of the Community Safety through Stable Homes Coalition which is advocating for a state bill to end the enforcement of these discriminatory ordinances.
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Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is a non-partisan, non-profit group of civil rights lawyers and advocates working to secure racial equity and economic opportunity for all. We provide legal representation through partnerships with the private bar, and we collaborate with grassroots organizations and other advocacy groups to implement community-based solutions that advance civil rights. For more information, visit www.clccrul.org or call (312) 630-9744.
Winston & Strawn LLP
Winston & Strawn LLP is an international law firm with 15 offices in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. More information about the firm is available at www.winston.com.