Commemorating Fair Housing Month

By CARMA STAHNKE  Mar 7, 2024

At the Coldwell Banker® brand, we are dedicated to promoting equal housing access for everyone. Together, we fully support the development of vibrant and inclusive communities. We reaffirm this commitment by observing Fair Housing Month in April.

The History of Equitable Housing Laws

The Fair Housing Act is a pivotal piece of legislation in the United States. Enacted on April 11, 1968, it was part of the broader Civil Rights Act of 1968. Originating in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Act aimed to combat housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Over the years, the Act underwent amendments to broaden its scope. It expanded to protect additional classes, including individuals with disabilities and families with children. Enforcement has evolved, resulting in the creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the establishment of fair housing organizations.

The Importance of Unbiased Practices

Despite progress, challenges persist, and the fight against housing discrimination remains ongoing. As we continue to strive for a more equitable society, it’s important to note how the Fair Housing Act benefits individuals, families, communities and society as a whole.

Access to housing in diverse neighborhoods provides individuals with more economic opportunities, leading to increased financial security while encouraging upward mobility. Inclusive communities are more likely to attract a wider range of businesses and investments. This results in job opportunities, improved infrastructure and overall prosperity. Housing laws also help create neighborhoods where access to quality education is available to every child. This ensures that all members of the community have the chance to receive a good education. It also helps break the cycle of inequality and promoting social mobility.

These laws are essential in building a society that values diversity, equality and inclusivity. Removing barriers to housing opportunities benefits of us all.

Visit us at coldwellbankerdiversity.com to learn how we are making a difference and how you can get involved.

Learn More About Fair Housing

• For up-to-date resources and information on how to avoid discriminatory practices, see the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act.
• For the latest information on current housing trends and upcoming challenges, check out the Fair Housing Institute’s Reflecting on 2023, Anticipating 2024: Fair Housing Insights.
• The National Association of REALTORS® offers training in support of fair housing that members can take advantage of. Titled ACT!, this “fair housing action plan” promotes accountability, culture change and training that is grounded in experiential learning.
• To learn how real estate agents can actively support fair housing efforts, see 10 Ways for Real Estate Agents to Stay Compliant With Fair Housing Laws, Be a Fair Housing Champion and 30 Ways You Can Advance Fair Housing.
• For an in-depth exploration of how discriminatory laws have shaped our society, consider reading Amy McCoy’s Sheltered Injustice: From Jim Crow to Marshall Law: The Struggle for Fair Housing and Edward G. Goetz’s The One-Way Street of Integration: Fair Housing and the Pursuit of Racial Justice in American Cities.

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