Massachusetts Town Settles Discrimination Suit for $1M

The town of Framingham has agreed to pay $1 million to settle a discrimination lawsuit filed by a social services agency that wanted to open a home for recovering drug addicts in town.

The South Middlesex Opportunity Council claimed in its suit that town officials had tried to block the opening of the recovery center as well as a home for disabled veterans, violating the civil rights of its clients.

A federal judge signed off on the agreement Tuesday. The $1 million will be paid by the town’s insurers.

Under terms of the agreement, the town must also better train its employees in understanding antidiscrimination laws.

SMOC Executive Director James Cuddy said the settlement is an acknowledgment that every person has a right to a home.

The Board of Selectmen said the settlement is in the best interests of the town.