April is National Fair Housing Month, and despite the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, disability or family status, unfair discrimination can still be found in certain communities when buying or renting a home. And because the DRC is committed to helping make the Dallas Region the best place in the U.S. to live, work, and do business, unfair discrimination in housing practices cannot be tolerated and will be an obstacle to our community reaching its full potential. So, this month, we want to share with you some of the history of this landmark legislature, and what you can do if you and someone you know is suspected of being unfairly discriminated against when renting or buying a home.
When passed 53 years ago this April, the Fair Housing Act served as an extension of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and prohibited the discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status.
Prior to the passage of the act, redlining of neighborhoods contributed to housing segregation, food deserts and opportunity gaps in wealth, school, and health for groups deemed to be off-limits for issuing mortgages. The passing of this act was intended to address decades of racial discrimination in housing.
Learn more about National Fair Housing Month and the Fair Housing Act.
Read and Watch:
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- Fair Housing 101
- City of Dallas Equity Report | Access to Housing and Housing Affordability Data
- Segregated By Design
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Virtual Events:
Ways to Advance Fair Housing:
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- Connect with your local city fair housing departments to schedule a formal fair housing presentation for your office.
- Host a screening of a fair housing film at your next office/employee resource group meeting.
- Sponsor or participate in a fair housing event this month.
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