Celebrating Fair Housing Month with the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute
What is Fair Housing Month?
Fair Housing Month is an annual event in April that commemorates the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislation made it illegal to discriminate in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, familial status, or disability.
The Fair Housing Act has helped to promote diversity, inclusion, and equal access to housing for millions of Americans. However, the fight for fair housing is far from over, and there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to find their perfect home.
What does Fair Housing Month mean for the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute?
At the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute, we are committed to promoting fair housing practices and helping to build more equitable communities. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to find the perfect home, regardless of their background.
To achieve this goal, we offer training and education programs that teach our members about fair housing laws and how to avoid discriminatory practices. We also work closely with local organizations to promote fair housing practices and to provide resources and support for those who have experienced discrimination in their search for housing.
As REALTORS®, we have a unique role to play in the fight for fair housing by promoting diversity and inclusion in our communities. By working together and committing to fair housing practices, we can help to build a more equitable future for all.
To achieve this goal, we work closely with local organizations to promote fair housing practices and to provide resources and support for those who have experienced discrimination in their search for housing. Also, we offer a fair housing course that teaches our members about fair housing laws and how to avoid discriminatory practices. You can sign up for this year’s Fair Housing Summit course or visit our continuing education courses page.
The Mississippi REALTORS® Institute’s Fair Housing course fulfills 3 hours credit toward qualifying for the GRI designation. The GRI designation signifies excellence in real estate, earned by completing 60 hours of comprehensive education. GRI designees possess advanced skills in legal matters, technology, sales, and more. In Mississippi, this involves coursework through the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute, covering legal aspects, risk management, marketing, and specialization in areas like ABR and RENE. With GRI certification, REALTORS® gain exclusive benefits, showcasing their commitment to excellence and client service.
Learn more about our GRI designation program and how it can benefit your real estate career, check out our blog about the benefits of earning a GRI designation. Or you can sign up for this year’s Fair Housing summit by visiting our continuing education courses page.
What can you do to support fair housing?
As a consumer, you can support fair housing by educating yourself about your rights and by speaking out against discrimination when you see it. If you have experienced discrimination in your search for housing, you can report it to the appropriate authorities and seek legal assistance if necessary.
As a REALTOR® you can support fair housing by committing to education and training programs that teach you about fair housing laws and practices. You can also work to promote fair housing in your community by partnering with local organizations and by advocating for policies that promote diversity and inclusion.
Join Us in Promoting Fair Housing: Building an Equitable Future
Fair Housing Month is an important reminder of the progress we have made in the fight for equal access to housing, as well as the work that still needs to be done. At the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute, we are committed to promoting fair housing practices and to building more equitable communities. We invite you to join us in this important work and to help us create a future where everyone has the opportunity to find their perfect home.
Fair Housing Resources