United States v Southwest Key Programs Inc. (W.D. Tex.)

On July 17, 2024, the United States filed a pattern or practice complaint in United States v. Southwest Key Programs, Inc. (W.D. Tex.). The complaint alleges that Southwest Key discriminated because of sex in violation of the Fair Housing Act by subjecting unaccompanied children residing in its shelters to severe and pervasive sexual harassment by employees. The complaint also alleges that Southwest Key failed to take sufficient action to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse and sexual harassment to protect the children in its care. Southwest Key is a national non-profit that currently operates at least 29 shelters in Texas, Arizona, and California, and is the largest private care provider for unaccompanied children in the United States. Unaccompanied children are minors present in the United States without parents or other legal guardians and without lawful immigration status in the United States.

Press Release (7/18/2024)