Black v. New York City Housing Authority

Background

Yasmine N. Black, who is proceeding without a lawyer, sued the New York City Housing Authority under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. She alleges that her employer discriminated against her because of her disability and age.

The court had previously granted Black permission to proceed without prepaying filing fees. This status is commonly called proceeding in forma pauperis, or IFP. In an IFP case, federal law and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure require the court to direct the U.S. Marshals Service to serve the defendant when service is needed.

Order

The court extended the service deadline to 90 days after the summons is issued because Black could not have served the defendant before the court reviewed the complaint and ordered the summons issued. The court stated that Black should request an extension if the complaint is not served within that period.

The Clerk of Court was instructed to issue a summons for the New York City Housing Authority, complete a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form with the defendant’s address, and deliver the necessary documents to the Marshals Service. The Clerk was also directed to mail an information package to Black. Black must notify the court in writing if her address changes; the court stated that it may dismiss the action if she fails to do so. The order does not decide whether Black’s discrimination claims have merit. Judge Ronnie Abrams entered the order on July 29, 2025.