Page 7 - Katten 2021 Pro Bono Annual Review

Nigerian College Students Turned Away by
Landlord Secure Strong Settlement

Housing is a fundamental human need.
And when people are denied housing because of their skin color
or nationality, Jonathan Baum isn’t one to sit quietly.

For six years, Jonathan, senior counsel and director of pro included: payment of substantial damages to the students
bono services, pressed for relief for two Nigerian college and their realtor; an injunction against future discrimination;
students denied the opportunity to rent an apartment in implementation by the respondents of a fair housing policy;
Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. training of all respondents in fair housing practices; and a
requirement that respondents post in all media in which they
Initially, the Illinois Department of Human Rights found the advertise their rental properties their obligation to comply
complaints unsupported by evidence. But Jonathan got that with fair housing laws.
determination reversed by the Illinois Human Rights
Commission. The settlement also included a requirement that respon-
dents report to the State of Illinois annually for two years on
The case, referred to Katten by the Chicago Lawyers’ their compliance with the settlement provisions, as well as
Committee for Civil Rights, wound up in circuit court, where demographic information about their prospective and actual
the students and their Black realtor were joined in their com- tenants.
plaint by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights.
Several Katten associates assisted Jonathan with this case
With the help of that office, Jonathan was able to secure a over the years. The clients were grateful for the efforts, writing
significant settlement for the complainants. The settlement
to Jonathan:

“ Thank you for your diligence, care and persistence to pursue justice for us. After

years of diligent work, you all never wavered, and for that, we’re eternally grateful.
Your professionalism, concern and care enlightened us, and gave us hope. God

bless you for such an awesome life work! You’ve helped us rebuild hope in such a

broken world!” HOUSING DISCRIMINATION CLIENTS

KATTEN 2021 PRO BONO ANNUAL REVIEW 5
KATTEN 2021 PRO BONO ANNUAL REVIEW