Final answer:
The Massachusetts Fair Housing Law offers broad protections against discrimination but provides certain exemptions for owner-occupied dwellings. People with disabilities and those with public/rental assistance are generally protected, whereas owners of owner-occupied two-family homes might choose tenants based on marital status. Discrimination in housing can negatively impact minorities' access to employment and education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Massachusetts Fair Housing law provides protections against discrimination for a variety of classes. However, there are exceptions to these protections, particularly in owner-occupied multi-family dwellings. For example, it may not be considered illegal for the owner of an owner-occupied two-family home to discriminate based on marital status when renting the other unit. This exemption is due to the close living quarters shared between the landlord and tenant, which might afford the owner certain rights to choose their tenant based on personal preferences or compatibility.
In contrast, discrimination based on disability (such as being blind, hearing impaired, or wheelchair-bound) is generally prohibited under both federal and state fair housing laws, regardless of the type of housing. This means that small, owner-occupied multi-family properties typically cannot discriminate against someone for having a disability. Similarly, discrimination based on the source of income, such as public or rental assistance, is also prohibited.
Discrimination in the housing market is connected to employment discrimination insofar as both can limit the opportunities and access to necessary resources for affected individuals. As noted by the studies conducted by HUD and the Urban Institute, discrimination based on race or ethnicity can result in minorities being shown fewer homes or apartments and undergoing stricter financial scrutiny. While blatant forms of discrimination have declined, subtler forms persist and continue to have significant impacts on housing opportunities and, by extension, employment and educational opportunities