Beyond Redlining: The Current State of Housing Discrimination
It All Begins Here
“We treat everyone equally because we are required to do so by the Fair Housing Act, so we did nothing wrong.”
I hear this from property managers and leasing agents defending conduct that has resulted in lawsuits and administrative actions alleging housing discrimination. This simplistic formulation most likely came from fair housing training the individual received through their employment in residential real estate management, but the takeaway — treat everyone the same — is woefully incorrect and can lead to liability, fair-minded as it sounds.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA), 42 USC 3601 et seq., is arguably the most powerful and far reaching of the federal civil rights statutes passed in the 1960s, yet it is the least understood and utilized of the civil rights laws — housing discrimination lawsuits account for only 2% of all civil rights lawsuits filed in federal courts. Michigan’s civil rights acts, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PDCRA), also contain housing rights provisions that largely track the federal statute. This article introduces some features of the Fair Housing Act that make it such a powerful tool to address civil rights violations by requiring more than merely treating everyone equally.
Read full article here.
Small Steps Create Big Shifts
It All Begins Here
Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.