Sullivan v. Little Hunting Park, Inc., 396 U.S. 229 (1969)
Sullivan v. Little Hunting Park, Inc.
Does a private homeowners' association violate 42 U.S.C. § 1982 when it rejects a Black tenant solely based on race and subsequently expels the member who leased his property to the tenant?
42 U.S.C. § 1982 ensures that all citizens of the United States have the same right to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold, and convey real and personal property, regardless of race.
The Supreme Court held that Little Hunting Park, Inc. engaged in racial discrimination in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1982 when it rejected the Freeman lease solely because of race and expelled Sullivan for leasing his property to a Black tenant.
Sullivan v. Little Hunting Park, Inc. holds significant value for law students as it bridges civil rights law with property rights, illustrating the breadth of anti-discrimination statutes. The ruling expanded the interpretation of Section 1982, emphasizing that discrimination in private contracts related to housing is subject to federal scrutiny. This case is instrumental in understanding the judicial approach to eliminating racial barriers in both housing and broader economic contexts, highlighting the ongoing challenge against institutionalized racism.