La Crosse racial discrimination lawsuit settled - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

LA CROSSE (WKOW) -- A lawsuit alleging racial discrimination against a La Crosse apartment complex has been settled by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Under the proposed settlement, the manager and owner of Geneva Terrace Apartments agreed to pay $57,500.

The lawsuit claims the manager told prospective African-American renters that apartments were not available, while telling prospective white renters that they were available.

Under the settlement, the defendants will pay $47,500 in damages to an African-American couple who were interested in renting an apartment in Geneva Terrace but were told that none were available, even though the complex had a sign advertising vacancies.

The defendants also will pay a civil penalty of $10,000.