Doe v. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester Inc. d/b/a Crozier House et al (D. Mass.)

On June 2, 2026, the United States filed a statement of interest in Doe v. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester, Inc. d/b/a Crozier House, et al. (D. Mass.), a private lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act, among other claims.  Some of the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Fair Housing Act claim.  The United States’ statement of interest clarifies the legal standards for sexual harassment and retaliation claims under the Fair Housing Act, including that: (1) in some circumstances, individuals who knew or should have known about a discriminatory housing practice and failed to take action to stop it can be held directly liable, (2) retaliating against someone for exercising or enjoying their fair housing rights can violate Section 3617, and (3) constructive eviction is not required to plead a Section 3604(a) claim.