Study: Credit Scores Deny Minority Access

Credit scores are used to deny African-Americans and other minorities access to credit and financial services, according to a study by the University of Denver Center for African American Policy."This study breaks new ground by using location mapping and statistical correlation techniques to examine the disparities in accessing mainstream financial services and credit products," said the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, which released the study. Mississippi State Rep. Mary H. Coleman, the immediate past president of the NBCSL, said credit scores "are used in a way that denies minority and underserved communities access to the financial services and products they need. This study demonstrates that credit scores -- more so than simply race or income or other variables -- are the key factor, and minority communities are disproportionately affected." The report, entitled "Financial Empowerment for the Unbanked and Underbanked Consumer: 'Crossing the Red Line'," was released at the Rainbow/PUSH Wall Street Project's 2007 Economic Summit. The NBCSL can be found online at http://www.nbcsl.com.