What is the purpose of 'conciliation' under the Fair Housing Act?

Conciliation under the Fair Housing Act serves the specific purpose of resolving complaints that arise from alleged discriminatory housing practices. This process is inherently designed to facilitate an amicable settlement between the parties involved, allowing for a resolution without the need for lengthy litigation or formal legal proceedings.

During conciliation, the parties have the opportunity to communicate and negotiate, often with the assistance of a mediator or a housing agency representative. The aim is to reach an agreement that addresses the concerns of the complainant while accommodating the interests of the respondent. Successful conciliation can lead to remedies such as financial compensation, changes in policy, or other corrective actions that help to ensure fair housing practices going forward.

While other choices such as evaluating compliance, filing lawsuits, or conducting investigations are important components of enforcing the Fair Housing Act, they do not capture the specific function of conciliation, which is focused solely on resolving disputes amicably and effectively.