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Please note!
This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.
Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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FACT BRIEF

Can removing religious literature from public-housing common areas be illegal?

By Lauralei Singsank
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YES

Removing religious texts and objects from common areas of publicly-funded housing can constitute discrimination under Fair Housing Act prohibitions of religious-based discrimination. The Department of Housing and Urban Development states that organizations who receive its funds may offer religious activities as long as they are voluntary and open to all residents.

A 2006 letter laid out guidelines for a North Carolina apartment complex, allowing Bible studies, religious musicians and Christmas decorations. The department stated common areas may be made available for "purposes of interest," including religion, as long as managers provided equal access to all religions and the events were voluntary.

HUD is currently investigating an Oklahoma apartment complex over claims that Bibles and religious decorations were banned from common libraries.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Department of Justice: Fair Housing Act (see Section 804)
Department of Housing and Urban Development: Equal treatment and the faith-based and community initiative
HUD: Letter regarding Heritage Court apartments and Fair Housing Act
HUD: Secretary investigates alleged religious discrimination in senior housing complexes
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Gigafact
Between 2020 and 2022, under close editorial supervision, Gigafact contracted a group of freelance writers and editors to test the concepts for fact briefs and provide inputs to our software development process. We call this effort Gigafact Foundry. Over the course of these two years, Gigafact Foundry writers published over 1500 fact briefs in response to claims they found online. Their important work forms the basis of Gigafact formats and editorial guidelines, and is available to the public on Gigafact.org. Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of relevant information to be found, not all fact briefs produced by Gigafact Foundry reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date and need to be looked at with fresh eyes, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.