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Housing Discrimination Against Families Must Be Stopped
Letter to the Editor by Commissioner Lizzette Gamero (Palm Beach)
Some may imagine housing discrimination in the following ways: A Hispanic woman being told a unit is no longer available when the property manager hears her accent. An elderly man denied housing because the manager views him as a liability. While these scenarios do happen, it is important to remember another group that often faces discrimination as well: parents, grandparents and (or) guardians.
Under the Fair Housing Act, a person cannot be denied housing based on their familial status. This means, it is illegal for property owners to discourage or flat out refuse housing to someone who is pregnant or has children under the age of 18.
April is Fair Housing Month, and 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Florida’s parents work hard to raise our future generation. Let’s work together to support families and to make sure housing discrimination does not detrimentally impact their lives. Join us in working toward a better Florida for all who live and work here!
