Agreement Reached Between One County and Organization
Tentative Agreement Reached Between Hendricks Co. and Islamic Organization
Source: Cochran Firm Cleveland / Cochran Firm Cleveland
INDIANAPOLIS – You may remember hearing about an Islamic organization that wanted to found a religious school in Hendricks County, but was twice denied zoning approval.
Well, a lawsuit filed because of the denied approvals – and the belief that those denials were based on discrimination – could soon be resolved.
As part of a proposed agreement, Hendricks County could pay $295,000 to Al Hussnain Inc., as well as a $5,000 fine to the federal government, for violating the Fair Housing Act and Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
Apparently, Al Hussnain Inc. wanted to develop a school, as well as a religious seminary and housing, in the county, but was told no on two separate occasions.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said, “Federal law prohibits local governments from making zoning decisions…on the basis of the religion of the developer or those whom they perceive might live at or worship at the development.”
If approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the proposed decree will resolve this lawsuit.
The Department of Justice announced Wednesday that the county would also implement new policies – such as the Fair Housing policy – and require new employee trainings because of this.
