Labeling anti-discrimination laws as “government overreach;” elevating the rights of white property owners above all other concerns; framing fair housing efforts as a “drive to destroy individual freedom.” These and other fear-mongering tactics are a part of the modern election playbook for many conservative politicians, but they were originally crafted by a California real estate broker more than half a century ago. In the new book “Freedom to Discriminate,” author Gene Slater uncovers the real estate industry’s definitive role in segregating America and shaping modern conservative thought. The book centers on the 1964 creation and passage of California’s Proposition 14, written by real estate professionals, which sought to permanently legalize housing segregation in the state constitution. Although the bill was eventually struck down, says Slater, its original overwhelming success among California voters planted the seeds for a great deal of modern political rhetoric. The book also demonstrates that housing segregation is not simply the “natural” outcome of homeowners’ desire to live among people like themselves. It had to be created and continually reinforced.

Anyone who suspects they are a victim of housing discrimination should immediately report it to the FHJC or other fair housing organization. But the burden of fighting discrimination shouldn’t fall solely on its direct victims, especially since so much discrimination goes undetected. Fortunately, there are others who ARE aware that it’s happening. The secretary in the real estate office who overhears agents making discriminatory comments, the condo owners who learn that their board is excluding certain populations, or the leasing agent at a retirement community who is told to screen out certain applicants. FHJC’s Social Media campaign “Together We Can End Discrimination” is aimed at enlisting allies like these in the fight to end housing discrimination in the New York region. If you are someone who knows that illegal discrimination is occurring, but are unsure of what to do about it, click HERE to report it (anonymously if you prefer) or just to learn more about the campaign. It’s your opportunity to be an upstander, not just a bystander, in the fight for open, inclusive, and accessible communities for EVERYONE.

Building the beloved community starts with increasing our sense of empathy – seeing ourselves in others and identifying with their struggles. And there’s no better way of increasing empathy than through the power of theater. In 2018, FHJC was awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to produce an original off-Broadway play inspired by real-life stories of housing discrimination. Rehearsals were about to begin in 2020 when production was brought to a halt by the COVID-19 pandemic. But after many delays, the project is finally seeing the light of day. “≤” [Less Than or Equal To] written by award-winning screenwriter/playwright/actor Justin Carter, is a collection of provocative monologues about housing discrimination. The play poses a question to audiences about one of the most shrouded, misunderstood, and intractable domestic issues in America: When it comes to shelter, do we continue to relegate certain populations to “less than” status, or take steps to ensure that all people enjoy full and “equal access to” housing? And what is the continuing impact of housing discrimination and residential segregation on individuals, communities, and our nation? “≤” sheds new light on personal stories of discrimination, fair housing history, and the fight for justice. Although COVID concerns forestalled the planned off-Broadway production, the complete theatrical script is being made available for free to theater groups, university and high school theater departments, faith-based organizations, fair housing groups, and other nonprofit organizations. Interested groups should contact FHJC Community Engagement Coordinator Craig Waletzko at [email protected] for more information. A filmed version of the play will also soon be available via FHJC’s website.