Courses

Although the 1866 Civil Rights Act declared that all persons born in the United States were citizens without regards to race, color or previous condition, it did not include enforcement provisions, which meant that many citizens were still not treated equally. This course provides a brief review of the history of housing discrimination in the United States including notable housing discrimination Supreme Court decisions prior to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  In addition, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and subsequent amendments in 1974 and 1988 will be discussed along with the New York State and New York City fair housing laws. The course will also focus on current overt and subtle fair housing violation practices with a thorough discussion of the possible conflicts and complexities realtors face associate with earning a commission and enforcing fair housing laws and how to address these conflicts.  The fallacy of walking away from a listing is explored as an unrealistic solution in the everyday experience of realtors.  Suggestions are provided to better navigate the conflicts posed when landlords and sellers impose demands which contradict fair housing regulations. The course will conclude with a discussion on the effects of housing discrimination on its victims and the beneficial effects of neighborhood diversity in the communities as a whole.  Attendees will complete and discuss a questionnaire in class to assist them in beginning to further explore their role within their communities not only as realtors but also promoters of housing equality for all.