Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the DMV?
There’s no wrong answer, but for some people, just thinking about the DMV sends shivers down their spines. Especially those who have had to wait in long lines at the DMV. But for other drivers, such as new drivers, there is a palpable sense of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps even – dare I say it – joy.
Starting point:
Words can alienate or assert.
In the various classes I teach about fair housing advocacy (as opposed to marginalization), I mention DMV along with other seemingly random phrases that intentionally elicit strong reactions from my learners.
why?
The words we use can evoke feelings of instant camaraderie, or they can cause discomfort and alienate those we want to work with.
One such term is DEI, which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This word has been changed to a positive nickname, such as “definitely earned,” or a negative nickname, such as “didn’t earn.”
Frankly, neither of these unofficial taglines speaks to the mission of this expression in real estate and fair housing: to provide access and opportunity to all, whether clients or colleagues.
Fair housing is not about getting it or deserving it. In the language of the Constitution, fair housing is simply an inalienable right. To codify this housing right, there is not only the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, but also several federal amendments, executive orders, and state and local laws that segregate 19 or more protected classes across the United States. there is.
Race Skin color Gender Family status National origin Disability (this has evolved into “persons who use assistive devices”) Religion Age Ancestry Sexual orientation Gender identity Marital status Military status Victim of domestic violence Source of income Genetic information Pregnancy HIV/AIDS Criminal history (fair housing) Other
Therefore, the debate about national merits has no place in the real estate industry (just kidding). Additionally, certain companies that are notorious for DEI “rollbacks” do not share the same history of opposition that real estate agent associations have.
Unfortunately, we are not the first to hear about real estate agent-driven DEI breakups.
Historical examples of realtor-led opposition to “access and opportunity” include:
Professional Exclusion (1920s – 1960s): Courts were petitioned to make “Realtor” an exclusive trademark, specifically prohibiting black American real estate professionals from using the term. White real estate professionals dedicated to fair housing were also excluded from the Association of Realtors. For example, broker and owner Margaret Collins tried to join the Main Line Board of REALTORS three times to access a comprehensive list of properties for sale in the area, but was denied each time. Ta. Convinced that the denial was based on the color of the customer’s skin, she sued the board for unlawful restraint of trade and won. To add insult to injury, Black, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino/X/E American real estate professionals were often forcibly barred from brokering in communities designated as “white” (Atlanta (See “Berlin Wall,” Scottsdale, etc.). With such bans, it’s no wonder that real estate agent associations actively campaigned to prevent the passage of fair housing laws (like the Rumsford Act), even going so far as to use the nickname “forced housing.” there is no.
Despite the mass opposition, don’t get me wrong, there has always been a remnant of supportive real estate agents that I call “Fair Housing Decoders.”
GTTP: Giving everyone access and opportunity
Similar to the mall map indicator that says “You Are Here,” knowing our history helps us better understand how we got to this moment and makes us less likely to repeat it. is expected. Our industry does not need to repeat its opposition to “access and opportunity” for all. Ultimately, this cursory history shows why we still need DEI committees and councils for real estate agent associations and real estate companies. That is, to intentionally welcome all people who have historically been real estate agents (as colleagues and clients), especially demographic groups (in some cases still alive). Excluded.
However, the national debate around DEI is highly polarized (welcoming to some and unpalatable to others), and fair housing for all. This is a deviation from the industry’s goal of providing Ultimately, you may not know it by now, but the reframing I’ve been training for is about “access and opportunity” for everyone.
result?
Even in states like Florida, where DEI is banned to varying degrees, the real estate industry welcomes “access and opportunity.” This encouragement may mean it’s time to rebrand, rather than simply disband, our efforts to ensure everyone has (and continues to have) “access and opportunity” to real estate. It shows that there is no.
Lee Davenport is a real estate coach/educator and author.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire Editorial Department or its owners.
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