April is nationally recognized as Fair Housing Month. Such an occasion presents our community leaders and housing providers an excellent opportunity to conduct a self-evaluation regarding their knowledge and implementation of fair housing requirements. It also allows each of us to individually evaluate our personal level of acceptance toward our changing neighborhoods and to become familiar with laws that prohibit housing discrimination.
The right to choose where you and your family will live is a right that many never give a second thought. You know it's your right and you freely exercise it. After deciding you are financially able to purchase a home or meet the cost of a rental, other considerations are usually the proximity and quality of schools, medical facilities, public transportation, churches, neighborhood parks and cultural centers. Such amenities are desirable to all of us, enhance the quality of our lives and bring about a sense of security and well-being.
Unfortunately this fundamental right is not always a reality for everyone seeking a safe and comfortable haven in which to live. The mere fact that you can meet the financial burden of buying or renting a home is not always a guarantee that you will live in the home of your choice. All too often, unique populations or individuals within our communities are denied the home of their choice because of illegal discrimination.
Federal law prohibits the denial of a home to an otherwise qualified occupant if the denial is based on a person's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status. Utah law declares the same prohibitions, with the additional declaration that denial may not be based on a person's source of income.
While federal fair housing laws have been in existence for over 30 years and our own Utah law for more than 10 years, they are not as well known as the laws that prohibit employment discrimination. For this reason the Utah Anti-Discrimination and Labor Division, which is assigned to enforce the Utah Fair Housing Act, provides training on an individual's rights and responsibilities under state and federal fair housing laws.
If you are interested in attending the training, learning more about fair housing, or wish to file a complaint of housing discrimination, you may reach the division by calling: 801-530-6801, 800-222-1238 (toll free) or 801-530-7685 (TDD). You may also meet with division staff at 160 E. 300 South, in Salt Lake City.
As we eagerly await spring, with its promise of hope and new life, we invite you to join us in celebrating the principles of fairness and equality and in committing with us to welcoming all those who seek to live in our neighborhoods with acceptance and understanding.
Joseph Gallegos Jr. is director of the Utah Division of Anti-discrimination and Labor.