This year, we celebrate the 54th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status. The Act is intended to provide for fair housing throughout the country.
Each April, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), local communities, fair housing advocates, and fair housing organizations across the country celebrate Fair Housing Month by hosting an array of fair housing activities that highlight fair housing enforcement efforts, enhance public awareness of fair housing rights, and emphasize the importance of creating diverse and inclusive communities.
HUD Secretary Fudge will commemorate Fair Housing Month with a virtual celebration on April 5th at 2:00 P.M. (EDT) that will also feature the U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke; HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Demetria McCain; HUD General Counsel Damon Smith; and Executive Director of the Interagency Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) and FHEO Regional III Director Melody Taylor. The event will showcase HUD’s efforts to advance and protect fair housing rights to ensure that all people have the right to obtain the housing of their choice, free from discrimination.
People who believe they have experienced discrimination may file a complaint by contacting HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Relay). Housing discrimination complaints may also be filed by going to hud.gov/fair housing.
