REALTORS® are remembering the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing Act by further advocating for inclusion and diversity in the nation’s communities.
The National Association of REALTORS® designates April as Fair Housing Month and is promoting this year's landmark anniversary through a series of education offerings and events for its 1.3 million members and state and local associations.
“As REALTORS® join our industry partners, allies, and consumers today and throughout 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, we believe that fair housing for all should remain a core focus for the housing industry, and we must ensure policies and programs continue to affirmatively further fair housing principles,” says NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall.
The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968 to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, and national origin. Six years later, the act was amended to prohibit discrimination based on sex. In 1988, NAR supported an expansion of the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on familial status and disability. And since 2016, NAR has been advocating for changes to the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
“Not only is fair housing an important ethical commitment to our members, as outlined in our
Code of Ethics, it is critical to our ability to serve our customers, clients, and the community,” Mendenhall says. “We look forward to building upon our work with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other agency and industry partners to voice support for and further advance inclusive sustainable communities free from discrimination.”
NAR developed new resources for associations and members on the topic, including articles, videos, posters, and advertising. NAR plans to make fair housing an emphasis throughout the year, particularly during the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo this May 14-19 in Washington, D.C. Visit
FairHousing.realtor to learn more about upcoming events and to find materials.
Also, in the video below, the news program Chicago Tonight offers a short documentary on the history of the Fair Housing Act, including NAR’s role, and its impact on real estate. The segment features NAR Director of Diversity and Inclusion Fred Underwood and Frank Williams, a longtime member and past president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.
Source: National Association of REALTORS®
