Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Jad Joubran v. Beau Monde Inc. et al; HUD Case No. 04-23-5313-8; PC Case No. 23-039 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Jad Joubran through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On August 9, 2023, Complainant Jad Joubran filed a housing discrimination charge with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainant was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the bases of disability, failure to make reasonable accommodation and discriminatory terms, conditions, privileges or services and facilities under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et. seq.). Specifically, Respondent had a facility rule that animals be carried through the condominium property to be walked outside of the property due to there not being a designated animal area onsite. The Complainant requested to walk his emotional support animal through the property as the property’s support animal rules were unduly restrictive for him because of his disability. Respondent denied the request and threatened Complainant with removal of the animal and/or other legal action. Following their investigation, on December 19, 2023, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Jad Joubran was a victim of discriminatory housing practice based on Respondents’ failure to make reasonable accommodation in violation of Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code and the Fair Housing Act, as amended. Attempts to conciliate the matter were unsuccessful.
In accordance with Sections 70-146 and 70-147 of the Pinellas County Code, the County Attorney’s Office is required to file a civil action on behalf of an aggrieved party seeking appropriate relief, and if a timely election is not made, to have the charge decided in a civil action.
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Background Information:
The Determination issued by the PCOHR setting forth the facts and applicable law that led to the reasonable cause determination is attached, as well as the Final Investigative Report.
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Keiah L. Townsend, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Office of Human Rights
Attachments:
Determination dated December 19, 2023.
Final Investigative Report dated December 5, 2023.