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The aspiration for a place to call home is a fundamental aspect of the American dream, and fair housing laws play a crucial role in facilitating this vision. This year marks the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, a landmark piece of legislation that ensures all Americans have equal access to housing of their choice, free from discrimination.
Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, the Fair Housing Act represents a significant advancement in civil rights by making discrimination in housing transactions unlawful. This important act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and disability. Notably, amendments made in 1988 expanded protections to include families with children and individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The primary state agencies involved in Fair Housing efforts are the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD). TDHCA and TWC are presenting three informational webinars throughout April:
- April 15 at 10:30 a.m. covers the Fair Housing Act
- April 22 at 10:30 a.m. covers reasonable accommodations
- April 29 at 10:00 a.m. covers assistance animals
To register, please visit https://taahp.org/tdhca-hosts-informational-webinars-for-national-fair-housing-month-in-april/. Finally, the City of Austin is hosting a Fair Housing Conference on April 16, and you can find more information on the Speak Up Austin website.
As many Americans cherish the opportunity to live in their homes of choice, there are others who are still in search of that ideal place. It is essential for all individuals to leverage the resources available during Fair Housing Month, contributing to our collective goal of ensuring that every citizen has access to a safe and comfortable home.
Governor Greg Abbott has expressed his support, stating, "Equality is a foundational belief that underpins our society, and ensuring equality in all areas of public life is our collective responsibility."
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