Dear Mr. Jones,

In his inaugural address on January 14, 1963, George Wallace famously declared, "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever." While the nation has made significant progress since then, it is deeply troubling to witness that such views continue to manifest in subtle and insidious ways, even in our own state of Maryland. It is with concern that I bring to your attention a series of discriminatory actions undertaken by Thornhill Properties, Inc., which, in effect, echo Wallace's divisive rhetoric.

My name is Jacob Kogan, and I am the owner and manager of four rental units at the Chestnut Hill Condominium in Reisterstown, Maryland, managed by Thornhill Properties, Inc. (https://www.thornhillbaltimore.com, Property Manager (PM) Denise Waicker).
1. Discriminatory Denial of Extermination Services to African-American Tenants

In 2017, the Board of Directors (Board) and Homeowners Association (HOA) at Chestnut Hill announced complimentary extermination services for all residents (http://www.what-in.store/rt/mice/doc/190717RRG.pdf). However, the provision of this service took a distinctly different trajectory once African-American tenants requested assistance.

	o On March 23, 2023, Ms. Destiny Salsbury, an African-American woman, submitted a service request for extermination. I was assured by PM Waicker 
	  that the request would be fulfilled the same day. Yet, the service was not provided in April, May, or thereafter.

	o On April 27, 2023, Ms. Deloris Cook, also African-American, requested the same service. PM Waicker informed me that the service would be scheduled 
	  for May. However, on June 15, 2023, I was told via email that "the Association no longer provides this service." The minutes from the June 5, 2023, 
	  HOA Board meeting show that the Board directed PM Waicker to find a new extermination company, and the previous service had not been formally 
	  terminated. By February 2024, Ms. Cook's family was still dealing with a mouse infestation, leading her to move out in frustration by June 2024.

Violation: This consistent denial of services specifically to African-American tenants violates the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.), which prohibits discrimination in housing-related services based on race. The denial of extermination services, despite availability to others, amounts to a clear breach of these protections.
2. Denial of Pool Access Based on Race

On August 14, 2024, Ms. Destiny Salsbury applied for pool access but was denied without explanation by PM Waicker, who instead referred her back to me as the landlord. My follow-up email on August 19, 2024, asking how I could assist Ms. Salsbury in obtaining the pool pass, received no response. Ms. Salsbury's subsequent direct request on August 23, 2024, also went unanswered.

Meanwhile, another tenant residing in the same building, who is not African-American, successfully obtained a pool pass. The only difference between the two applicants is race. Despite this, PM Waicker ignored my observation and did not provide any justification for the denial of Ms. Salsbury's access.

Violation: This action further violates the Fair Housing Act by denying equal access to facilities based on race. It also contravenes Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000a), which ensures equal access to public accommodations.
3. Racially Insensitive Communication by Thornhill Employee

On May 20, 2024, I received an email from a Thornhill employee, which contained racially charged language. The message, referring to Ms. Salsbury and me, concluded with, "He [the landlord] needs to find a nice old European lady or couple to move in." This statement clearly reflects a desire to exclude African-American tenants, reinforcing a discriminatory atmosphere that mirrors the segregationist views expressed by Wallace decades ago.

Violation: This communication represents a violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1981, which guarantees all persons in the United States equal rights under the law, including the right to contract and receive the full benefit of contracts without discrimination based on race. The comment shows a clear preference for non-African-American tenants, undermining these legal protections.

Conclusion: It is abundantly clear that Thornhill Properties, Inc. has engaged in discriminatory practices that deprive African-American tenants of services and equal access to amenities that are otherwise available to all residents. These actions not only violate federal anti-discrimination laws but also threaten to further erode the progress made toward racial equality in housing.

Mr. Jones, I firmly believe that your involvement in resolving this matter could prevent further escalation. Thornhill's discriminatory practices, if left unaddressed, are likely to attract significant attention from African-American communities and civil rights organizations. A swift and fair resolution would ensure that all tenants receive the services and respect to which they are entitled, while avoiding unnecessary and potentially damaging public scrutiny.

I look forward to your prompt response and am available to discuss this matter further at your convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Jacob Kogan