Under HMDA, which category is explicitly considered a prohibited basis for discrimination?

Under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), race is explicitly recognized as a prohibited basis for discrimination in lending practices. This protection is part of a broader effort to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and equitably in the provision of housing-related financial services. Discriminatory practices based on race can lead to systemic inequities, and thus federal regulations have been put in place to guard against such biases in housing and credit.

The identification of race as a prohibited basis is essential in combating discrimination and enforcing civil rights within the financial and mortgage sectors. The HMDA aims to collect data that helps illuminate lending patterns and reveals potential discriminatory practices, thus promoting accountability among lenders.

While the other options—loan type, property value, and income level—may play roles in lending decisions, they do not explicitly fall under the category of prohibited bases for discrimination in the same way that race does. Understanding this distinction is vital when addressing issues related to lending practices and fair housing laws.