04/04/2008, The Kentucky Association of REALTORS® (KAR) is joining other REALTOR® associations around the nation to mark the 40th anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act this month by celebrating Fair Housing Month.
According to KAR President Robert Damron, REALTORS® are raising public awareness of the law’s success at eliminating housing discrimination, by highlighting how the Fair Housing Law, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 with future amendments, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status and handicap, and encourages fair housing opportunities for all citizens.
“The fair housing act protects one of our most important civil rights, the right to housing free from discrimination,” said Damron. “Our efforts to increase awareness about fair housing laws will continue long after April as we reflect on what has been done to eliminate housing discrimination in our country.”
On the national front, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is working with Congress to make the new FHA and conforming loan limits permanent so Americans can access affordable financing in all areas of the country. REALTORS® also work side by side with HUD and other housing-related organizations to eliminate discrimination in all U.S. communities.
NAR is also a proud sponsor of the Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. Scheduled for completion later this year, the Memorial embraces a vision of human dignity and equality for people of all races, colors, creeds and countries of origin. King’s message of equality is mirrored in the principles of NAR and all of its members who embrace the ideal of equal opportunity in housing.
“REALTORS® build neighborhoods and play an important role in improving access to affordable housing,” remarked Damron. “KAR members will continue educating home buyers and homeowners in our community about fair housing laws, discrimination and predatory lending practices, making the dream of homeownership possible for everyone in our region.”
Contact:
Hunt Cooper, Communications/Marketing Director
Kentucky Association of REALTORS®
(859) 263-7377
hcooper (at) kar (dot) com
