As a proud yet deeply concerned homeowner in the Westphalia, MD community—a community predominantly comprised of public and private minority servants and families—I am compelled to raise an urgent call for action against the disturbing patterns of inequity and systemic bias that undermine the safety, rights, and dignity of our residents. Our experiences underscore a grievous issue that extends beyond individual misconduct to reflect broader, systemic failures that disproportionately impact our community on the basis of race.
Recent revelations have come to light, showcasing that numerous homes within our community, including mine, have been approved without undergoing the mandatory engineering inspections required for structural safety and compliance. This negligence is not merely an oversight but a manifestation of a larger, more insidious problem rooted in racial discrimination. Such practices not only compromise our safety but also blatantly disregard our rights, perpetuating a cycle of inequity that we can no longer tolerate.
The gravity of this situation has prompted me to bring these concerns to the forefront of various regulatory and oversight bodies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, Maryland Attorney General (addressing mortgage fraud and corruption), Maryland State Attorney General, and 104 other Attorney Generals within Maryland. Despite these efforts, the response has grown momentum but the issue needs greater attention and scrutiny to ensure the 2035 Prince George’s County vision is achieved and is of quality substance for future residents desiring to make Prince George’s County their home..
Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) illuminates this disparity, indicating that African American homeowners are disproportionately likely to be sold homes with severe physical deficiencies compared to their white counterparts (HUD 2017). This disturbing statistic mirrors the lived realities of our community in Westphalia, serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change.
In light of these challenges, we call upon local government officials, state representatives, federal housing regulation agencies, and all stakeholders with the authority and capacity to effect change to:
1. Conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the housing practices in Westphalia, specifically examining the bypassing of critical engineering inspections and the broader implications of racial bias in housing.2. Hold accountable the construction companies, inspectors, and any other entities involved in perpetuating these injustices through neglect, misconduct, or discriminatory practices.3. Implement stringent oversight mechanisms to ensure equitable housing practices are upheld, safeguarding the rights and safety of all homeowners, regardless of their ethnic background.
By standing with us and supporting this petition, you contribute to a collective call for justice, equity, and accountability. Together, we can challenge and dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination and inequity in our community. Let us unite in our demand for fair treatment and safe, dignified housing for every resident of Westphalia.
Adding to our concerns, the developer has shown a lack of respect and professionalism by using inappropriate language towards 100 homeowners. builders asking us why are we exercising our right to communicate with our elected officials. This behavior is unacceptable and further emphasizes the need for immediate action.
To aid in this fight for justice, I have compiled a list of resources where you can report these issues and exercise your civil rights:
1. **HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity** - Handles fair lending issues and community development concerns. You can file a complaint [here](https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint
2. **HUD's OIG** - Handles suspected fraud or illegal activities. You can report it [here](https://www.hudoig.gov/hotline/hotline-form
3. **Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)** - Regulates consumer financial products. You can submit a complaint [here](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
4. **Department of Justice** - Handles civil rights issues. You can learn more [here](https://civilrights.justice.gov
5. **State Licensing Agencies** - These include the Secretary of State, Real Estate Commissioner, Appraisal Review Board, Department of Banking, Bar Association, etc.
6. **New Home Builder Guarantees Fund** - You can file a complaint [here](https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/Complaint.aspx
7. **Maryland Civil Rights Division** - You can start an inquiry [here](https://mccr.maryland.gov/Pages/Inquiry-Start.aspx
8. **FHFA OIG** - You can report fraud [here](https://www.fhfaoig.gov/ReportFraud
9. **Fannie Mae** - You can report mortgage fraud [here](https://fims.my.salesforce-sites.com/MortgageFraudReport/
10. **Freddie Mac** - You can report mortgage fraud via email at MF_Mortgage_Fraud_Reporting@freddiemac.com.
11. **VA Loans** - For mortgage servicer complaints, you can use the VA Loan Guarantee portal [here](https://yourit.va.gov/csm?id=rlc_test_test&sysparam_card=veteran_issue and the VA OIG [here](https://www.vaoig.gov/hotline/online-forms
12. **OCC Treasury Department** - They control the banks and regulate consumer financial products. You can submit a complaint [here](https://occcamp.servicenowservices.com/csp?id=camp_complaint_submission
13. **FTC** - You can report fraud [here](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/assistant
14. **CFPB** - For deception in advertising and material misrepresentation during the loan closing process, you can submit a complaint [here](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
Please note that this is not legal advice and is based on my personal experience. If you have concerns, I recommend talking with your personal attorney or consumer housing advocates. For further inquiries, you can reach out to info@drconsultancy.org.
Let's stand together for justice and equality in our community. Your voice matters! �
