2018 marks 50 years since the Fair Housing Act was signed into law, but for too many of our neighbors, the “American Dream” of homeownership remains just that — a dream. Although significant strides in equal housing opportunities have been made since the 1968 passage of the Fair Housing Act, there is still work to do to bring about a housing market free from discrimination.
Headlines point to websites that allow housing discrimination. Only half of the country prohibits discrimination in housing against the LGBT community, and HUD reports that the highest proportion of complaints involve discrimination based on disability. Many communities remain segregated, which, along with continued discriminatory housing practices, can lead to disparate outcomes in individuals’ overall quality of life — including health, education and economic opportunity.
We all have a role to play
While many in our industry, including NAR, opposed fair housing prior to 1968, there have been champions inside our industry who have worked to change laws and improve policies. Despite considerable progress, housing discrimination and its negative impact on our communities persists. NAR is committed to lead efforts to address community fair housing issues.
Fair should mean fair for all. It’s an obligation we are proud of and remain vigilantly aware of — not just because fair access to housing is part of adhering to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, but because discrimination hurts the entire real estate market and our ability to serve our customers and clients. Our members make a difference in every interaction they have with clients. Together, we can have a significant impact on policies that create broader change.
A yearlong commemoration
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, NAR will join with our partners and allies to raise awareness and create action. These partners include the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers Inc., the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Asian Real Estate Association of America, and the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals.
Throughout 2018, you’ll hear more about events and initiatives intended to 1) improve our commitment to fair housing and property rights by acknowledging our history and recognizing past champions; 2) commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act and actions to realize the promise of the law; and, 3) embrace our role to advance fair housing and lead efforts to address community issues.
Learn more
Housing is a critical element of civil rights and fair treatment of everyone. Learn more about the history of fair housing, what’s next, and how NAR and its partner organizations are commemorating the 50th anniversary at www.FairHousing.realtor. Together, we can spread the word that “Fair Housing Makes U.S. Stronger.
How your brokerage can get involved
The yearlong commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act includes three key components:
- Acknowledge our history.
- Recognize those who have and continue to advocate for fair housing.
- Lead action to address community fair housing issues.
NAR has compiled numerous resources your brokerage can share with your agents and participate in the commemoration, including fliers, print and banner ads, stories and videos. To access, visit www.FairHousing.realtor and click on “Communication Resources” on the left side.
Fred Underwood is Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Community and Political Affairs for the National Association of REALTORS®.