Document: 409 U.S. 205 93 S.Ct. 364 34 L.Ed.2d 415 Paul J. TRAFFICANTE et al., Petitioners,v.METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY al. No. 71-708. Argued Nov. 7, 1972. Decided Dec. Syllabus Two tenants of an apartment complex filed complaints with the Secretary Housing and Urban Development alleging that their landlord racially discriminated against nonwhites, thereby lost social benefits living in integrated community, missed business professional advantages would have accrued from members minority groups, suffered being 'stigmatized' as residents a 'white ghetto.' The District Court, not reaching merits, held complaining were within class persons entitled to sue under § 810(a) Civil Rights Act 1968. Court Appeals, affirming, construed permit only by who are objects discriminatory housing practices. Held: definition 'person aggrieved,' 'any person claims been injured practice,' shows congressional intention define standing broadly is permitted Article III Constitution, petitioners, complex, 810(a). Pp. 208—212. 446 F.2d 1158, 9 Cir., reversed. Stephen V. Bomse, San Francisco, Cal., for petitioners. Richard Kilmartin, respondent Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Robert M. Shea, Parkmerced Corp. Lawrence G. Wallace, Washington, D.C., United States, amicus curiae. Mr. Justice DOUGLAS delivered opinion Court. 1 Parkmerced, Francisco about 8,200 residents, separate (HUD) pursuant 810(a)1 1968, 82 Stat. 85, 42 U.S.C. 3610(a). One tenant black, one white. Each alleged owner2 had nonwhites on basis race rental apartments violation 804 Act. 2 HUD, 810(c) Act,3 notified appropriate California state agency agency, lack adequate resources handle complaints, referred charge back HUD. Since HUD failed secure voluntary compliance 30 days, petitioners brought this action 810(d) Act.4 3 complaint owner nonwhite applicants numerous ways, e.g., making it known them they be welcome at manipulating waiting list apartments, delaying applications, using acceptance standards, like. 4 They—the two tenants—claimed (1) community; (2) which if lived groups; (3) embarrassment economic damage social, business, activities ghetto.'5 5 did reach merits but 322 F.Supp. 352. Appeals affirmed, construing narrowly 1158. case here petition writ certiorari, we granted, 405 915, 92 945, 784. We reverse judgment below. 6 aggrieved' contained 810(a)6 terms broad, defined '(a)ny practice.' 7 gives power receive investigate regarding Secretary, however, must defer agencies can provide relief named practice. If does act, may seek resolve controversy conference, conciliation, or persuasion. these attempts fail, complainant proceed court 810(d).7 Moreover, rights enforced 'by civil actions States district courts without regard amount controversy,' 180 days 'after practice occurred.' 812(a). In addition, 813 Attorney General authority bring any when he has reasonable cause believe 'that group engaged pattern resistance full enjoyment granted' 8 It apparent, Solicitor says, private primary method obtaining Hackett v. McGuire Bros., Inc., 445 442 (CA 3), dealt phrase allowed suit started claiming 1964, 2000e—5(a), concluded words used showed 'a Constitution.' Id., 446. With respect suits 1968 Act,8 same conclusion, insofar unit charged discrimination concerned. language broad inclusive. Individual injury fact ingredient found missing Sierra Club Morton, 727, 1361, 31 636, here. What proof thing; existing exclusion loss important interracial associations. 10 legislative history too helpful. key section now before us, i.e., 810, was derived amendment offered Senator Mondale incorporated bill Dirksen.9 While groups damaged most practices, proponents legislation emphasized those direct interest ensuring fair housing, suffered.10 11 Assistant Regional Administrator wrote petitioners' counsel November 5, 1970, 'it determination office complainants aggrieved such jurisdiction' told consistent administrative construction Such great weight. Udall Tallman, 380 1, 16, 85 792, 801, 13 L.Ed. 616; Griggs Duke Power Co., 401 424, 433—434, 91 849, 854 855, 28 158. 12 design confirms construction. no enforcement. So far federal concerned sue; yet, noted, correct practice' discrimination. That creates some limiting factors his need stop analyze. For, points out, litigation conducted handled Section Division, less than dozen lawyers. enforcement powers since enormity task assuring makes role matter minimal, main generating force which, act own behalf also 'as attorneys general vindicating policy Congress considered highest priority.' 'private general' uncommon modern programs. See Newman Piggie Park Enterprises, 390 400, 402, 88 964, 966, 19 1263; Allen State Board Elections, 393 544, 556, 89 817, 22 1; Perkins Matthews, 400 379, 396, 431, 440, 27 476; I. Case Borak, 377 426, 432, 84 1555, 423. serves part protecting whom directed whose manner managing project affects 'the very quality daily lives.' Shannon Dept. & Dev., 436 809, 818 3). dispute tendered presented adversary context. Flast Cohen, 392 83, 101, 1942, 1953, 20 947. Injury particularity, so there present abstract question raising problems Art. Constitution. landlord's blacklist victim practices; is, Javits said supporting bill, whole community,' 114 Cong.Rec. 2706, drafted said, proposed law replace ghettos truly balanced patterns.' 3422. 14 give vitality generous all racial management facilities coverage statute. 15 remand leaving untouched other questions, including suggestion become moot. 16 Reversed remanded. 17 WHITE, BLACKMUN POWELL join, concurring. 18 Absent I difficulty concluding jurisdiction But statute purporting authorized complain right court, sustain extends position case. Cf. Katzenbach Morgan, 384 641, 648—649, 86 1717, 1722, 828 (1966); Oregon Mitchell, 112, 240, 248—249, 260, 322, 326—327, 272 (1970). Consequently, join Court's judgment. provides relevant part: 'Any believes will irrevocably occur (hereafter 'personal aggrieved') file Secretary. Complaints shall writing contain information form requires. Upon receipt furnish copy allegedly committed commit Within thirty after receiving complaint, expiration period reference subsection (c), notice whether intends it. decides try eliminate informal methods persuasion.' time Ins. After commenced, acquired Metropolitan, joined defendant. provides: 'Wherever local remedies practices substantially equivalent provided title, notify title appears constitute law, take further official has, date offense attention, commenced proceedings matter, or, having done so, carries forward promptness. event unless certifies judgment, circumstances particular case, protection parties interests justice require action.' 'If unable obtain may, thereafter, commence enforce granted protected relate subject complaint.' Less 1% black. Note supra. 4, find unnecessary 1982 third based allegations made Dirksen substitute, 4570—4573 retained previously introduced, id., 2270, passed Senate, 5992, House subsequently passed, 9621. 'aggrieved person' provision Mondale's carried into found, 2271 (11(a) bill). Hearings Subcommittee Affairs Senate Committee Banking Currency S. 1358, 2114, 2280, 90th Cong., 1st Sess. (1967).

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