ACLU sues to challenge Chicago Housing Authority drug test policy

The ACLU filed a federal class-action lawsuit over the Chicago Housing Authority’s mandatory drug tests.

The practice is being challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, which says the urinalysis tests for residents in mixed-income housing developments are an invasion of privacy.

They filed the case Thursday on behalf of Joseph Peery, who says he’s passed the tests numerous times.

The 58-year-old says in a statement that the drug tests are “embarrassing.”

Peery lives in Parkside of Old Town, a development on the site of the city’s former Cabrini Green housing project.

CHA residents can be evicted if they fail their drug test, which they take whenever they renew a lease.

Spokeswoman Wendy Parks says all CHA residents living in mixed-income housing must follow the rules.