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April is Fair Housing Month

By Missouri REALTORS posted 03-27-2023 03:00 PM

  

President Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act of 1968


April is Fair Housing Month, Missouri REALTORS®. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on our commitment to uphold the principles of fair housing and to educate ourselves and our clients about the importance of equal opportunity when it comes to the American Dream of Homeownership.

The Fair Housing Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968. It was a monumental moment in the Civil Rights Movement, as it prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability in the sale, rental, or financing of housing. The act was a response to housing discrimination that had been a barrier for people of color and other marginalized groups in accessing safe and affordable housing.

The Fair Housing Act was not the first attempt to address housing discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 both contained provisions related to fair housing, but they were not well-enforced. In fact, it was not until the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 that the Fair Housing Act gained enough momentum to pass into law.

Despite the passing of the Fair Housing Act and subsequent efforts to strengthen it, housing discrimination still exists. In some cases, it is overt, but more often, it is subtle. Steering a client away from a certain neighborhood because of their race or denying housing to someone with a criminal record, even if the record is not related to their ability to be a good tenant, are examples of housing discrimination. These practices are illegal, but they persist.

This is why Fair Housing Month is so important. Fair housing is not just a legal requirement, but rather a moral imperative. It is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their race, religion or other characteristics, has the opportunity to live in a safe and affordable home in a neighborhood of their choice.

As trusted advisors to your clients, REALTORS® have a responsibility to promote fair housing and to help your clients understand their rights and obligations under the law. This includes being aware of your own biases and taking steps to eliminate them. It also means being vigilant for signs of discrimination and taking action when you see it.

One way that REALTORS® can promote fair housing is by participating in training and education programs. The National Association of REALTORS® offers a variety of resources on fair housing, including online courses, webinars and in-person training sessions.

As a REALTOR®, you can promote fair housing by being knowledgeable about the communities you serve. This means understanding the demographics of the area, the history of discrimination in the community and the available resources for those who may face barriers to housing. You can also make an effort to reach out to diverse communities and to build relationships with organizations that serve these communities.

Furthermore, REALTORS® can take an active role in advocating for fair housing policies and legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. They can work with their professional organizations, such as Missouri REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, to support fair housing initiatives and lobby for policy changes that promote fair housing and equal opportunity for all.

By taking a proactive approach to promoting fair housing, REALTORS® can help ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and equitable housing.

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