CU settles HUD maternity discrimination complaint

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has publicized an agreement between Wescom Central Credit Union, based in Pasadena, California, and a married couple, resolving allegations the company denied the couple's mortgage loan application because the wife was on maternity leave. Refusing to provide a mortgage loan or mortgage insurance because a woman is pregnant or on family leave violates the Fair Housing Act's prohibition against sex and familial status discrimination, which includes discrimination against individuals who have or are expecting a child.