By Vicki Trapp, AHWD, ASP, CRS, GRI, SRES, SRS, President
Greater Chattanooga Association of REALTORS ®
As outspoken supporters for fair housing issues and homeownership, the Greater Chattanooga Association of REALTORS® joins the nation in honoring Fair Housing Month this April. For more than 100 years REALTORS® have promoted and protected the dream of property ownership for millions of Americans and strongly support the Fair Housing Act.
April 2014 is the 46th anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. Following the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President Lyndon Johnson urged the passing of the Act. Yet, this legislation was not the first Act involving discrimination and real estate. The 1866 Civil Rights Act, which was passed following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln prohibited racial discrimination in the sale or rental of property. Unlike the Fair Housing Act, the Civil Rights Act did not contain any federal penalties.
As leading advocates for homeownership, REALTORS® strive to promote inclusion, diversity and fairness in today’s housing industry. As REALTORS®, we work hard to build communities and an environment where everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or disability can choose where they want to live. It is important to take time to recognize Fair Housing Month in order to promote awareness about fair housing laws.
A few days ago we updated the cover photo of our Facebook page (gcaronline) to bring additional attention to Fair Housing Month. This month we’re using that space on social media to remind everyone that in addition to classes protected by the Fair Housing Act, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics takes fair housing a step further. Article 10 of the Code reads, “REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”
Through the years the National Association of REALTORS® has also developed education on diversity and fair housing laws for its REALTOR® members. Those programs and resources have helped educate REALTORS® across the country on the importance of inclusive housing practices and the promotion of diverse homeownership.
The Association has developed and implemented fair housing education, programs and resources for its members because REALTORS® believe homeownership is an investment in everyone’s future. This month REALTORS® reconfirm our pledge to protect home buyers and sellers and diverse and thriving American communities.