I came to the Dr. Phil website in search of an aswer and support, but I wasn't sure where to post my message. I am 25 years old, and back in September I was served with a Fair Housing complain on the basis of racism. I was temporarily working at an apartment community between social work jobs. One of our policies was to not show an apartment less than half an hour before the office closed. I worked alone and am such a stickler for policy. Over the summer, a couple had been waiting in the office. It was less than half an hour before close, and I told them I was unable to show them an apartment. They left seemingly very angry. Three months later, I received the complaint from HUD.
I spoke with a woman from HUD who told me the couple wanted to conciliate for $5000. Being a social worker with lots of student loan debt, I just don't have the money to pay someone off for tsomething I did not do. When I continued speaking with the HUD investigator, I did not feel it was impartial. She misstated things that were in the complaint about what the couple had said... She called the couple's changed statements to her "typos."
I haven't spoken to the investigator since, but after I would not conciliate, the couple added the corporation and other managers to their complaint. On January 12, the investigator should complete the report that will go to a judge as to whether or not they are going to charge me with an act of discrimination.
This has never been far from my mind over the past few months and have been very difficult for me. I know in my heart I did not discriminate---I've always dated, been friends with, worked with people of many different backgrounds. My nature is to help people. To be falesly accused and risk a fine for several thousands of dollars I just don't have at my age is absolutely devasting. I've been through a lot in my life, but this is something beyond my control.
As the time draws nearer, I am getting more and more scared of being charged with something I did not do... I don't even know how to cope with this... This could literally ruin many aspects of my life, let alone my mental well-being.
A close friend and associate in the field told me I was an easy target because emotionally, I would have the most to lose and would appear to be the type of person who would conciliate just so I wouldn't emotionally suffer... It is crazy. I have spent my whole life trying to help people because I come from unfortunate circumstances.... I feel like my heart has been torn out, and I just don't even know how I will cope if I am charged with this...
