The Justice Department has launched a legal battle against Southwest Key Programs Inc., a Texas-based nonprofit which the agency claims has violated the Fair Housing Act. According to a press release from the DOJ, the suit alleges that a pattern of sexual abuse and harassment has been directed at unaccompanied children residing in several of the organization's shelters.
"Sexual harassment of children in residential shelters, where a child should be safe and secure, is abusive, dehumanizing and unlawful," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said in a statement obtained by the Justice Department’s website. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the complaint specifies incidents that range from inappropriate touching to solicitation of sexual acts, allegedly perpetuated by employees of Southwest Key from 2015 through 2023.
Southwest Key, which is the largest provider of temporary housing for unaccompanied children in the U.S., with facilities in Texas, Arizona, and California, stands accused of failing to prevent the alleged sexual harassment. The lawsuit contends that the organization did not consistently adhere to federal requirements designed to prevent, detect, and report such abuse. Federal officials have issued multiple corrective actions against the nonprofit, yet the complaint suggests these measures were insufficient.
“Every child has the right to feel safe and secure in their dwelling, including in shelter care,” stated U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. As uncovered by the Justice Department, the lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the affected children and a court order enjoining Southwest Key from future discrimination, as well as requiring measures to prevent abhorrent harassment going forward.
The DOJ's vigorous justice pursuit comes as part of its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, launched in 2017. Since then, according to an interview by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the department has filed 43 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and has recovered over $17 million for victims.
Southwest Key’s caring for unaccompanied minors is part of a larger network of the Health and Human Services (HHS) custody system. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized that a "zero-tolerance policy for all forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, inappropriate sexual behavior, and discrimination," exists within the department, pledging continued cooperation with both the Justice Department and oversight agencies to hold care-giving programs accountable.
Victims of the alleged abuse, or individuals with relevant information, are encouraged to contact the Justice Department. Options for reporting include a housing discrimination tip line, an email address ([email protected]), and an online portal at civilrights.justice.gov/link/southwestkey.
