A VILLAGE'S refusal to rezone is not unconstitutional solely because it results in a racially disproportionate impact, the Supreme Court ruled in Village of Arlington Heights v. Metropolitan Housing Development Corp. Handed down January 11, the opinion written by Justice Powell said proof of racially discriminatory intent or purpose is required to show a violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The court's action reversed the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, and remanded the case to that court for further consideration of the claims that the rezoning refusal violated the Fair Housing Act.
28 / March 1977 / Illinois Issues