2009 Equal Opportunity - Cultural Diversity Committee
National Association of REALTORS®
2009 REALTORS® Conference
San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina
San Diego Ballroom B, North Tower, Lobby Level
Friday, November 13, 2009
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Chair: Allen Chiang, CA
Vice Chair: Alex Chaparro, IL
Committee Liaison: Wendy Furth, CA
Committee Executive: Kyle Lambert London, DC, Fred Underwood, DC

I. Call To Order - Review Ownership Disclosure and Conflict of Interest Policy
Ownership Disclosure and Conflict of Interest Policy

II. Approval of Previous Meeting's Minutes
Previous Meeting's Minutes

III. Diversity Partners

IV. Equal Opportunity on the Basis of Sexual Orientation
NAR Policy:
NAR opposes discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status and national origin. This policy is embodied in NAR's Code of Ethics. NAR also authorizes sanctions in response to a finding that a member has violated any fair housing law, including local and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. NAR does not, however, have specific policy addressing discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association requests that NAR adopt policy supporting equal opportunity in housing based on sexual orientation, as well as to change the NAR Code of Ethics to incorporate an ethical obligation to provide equal services on the basis of sexual orientation. The request regarding the Code of Ethics is being considered by the Professional Standards Committee. The Equal Opportunity Cultural Diversity Committee will consider the policy request.

Should NAR support Equal Opportunity in housing on the basis of sexual orientation? Nationally, equal opportunity is protected on the bases of race, color, religion, sex (gender), handicap (disability), familial status (children in the household) and national origin. Twenty states and numerous local laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. In other states there are no such laws and it is not illegal to discriminate in the provision of housing and real estate services based on sexual orientation.

Most REALTORS® would see little impact on their business. In 20 states, discrimination based on sexual orientation is already illegal. HUD has proposed prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in HUD funded housing. Since fair housing practices are already the norm, adding sexual orientation to the list of protections would require little change in business practices. REALTORS® would incorporate the commitment to equal opportunity based on sexual orientation into their existing fair housing practices, particularly when explaining their fair housing commitment to prospective clients and customers. NAR is not aware of any business impacts caused by state laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, however, the Michigan Fair Housing Center reported that it found discrimination against same sex couples in nearly 30% of tests it conducted.

HUD has announced its intention to issue rules prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in federally funded housing. No legislation is currently being considered.

V. Diversity Awareness and Priority Study

VI. Diversity Initiative Grants
Grants

VII. Real Estate Policy Fellowships
Fellowships

VIII. Discussion - Tools for Local Associations

IX. Report of the Equal Opportunity Cultural Diversity Forum

X. At Home with Diversity
At Home With Diversity

XI. Adjournment