Update: Widow Settles Religious Discrimination Claim Against Landlord

Hanford, CA—Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) has settled a claim on behalf of a great-grandmother who had been evicted from her longtime apartment.

Earlier this month, PJI announced that it had filed a formal charge of discrimination with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). PJI represents Diana Martin, 86, of Hanford, who had been evicted from her longtime apartment due in part to her religious activities. Since that announcement, the parties resumed negotiations and have now reached a settlement. As part of the settlement, the DFEH charge has been withdrawn. The financial amount of the settlement is confidential.

“We’re very pleased by this outcome,” noted Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute. “We are confident that changes now being made at this apartment complex will spare others what our client went through. We also want to commend the owner and landlord, John Draxler, for his part in resolving this matter by offering an apology and agreeing to make changes. This is a win-win that will allow everyone to move forward.”

PJI urges anyone who believes they have experienced religious discrimination in housing to reach out for legal advice by visiting PJI.org.