Dear CAR Member,
Two years ago, C.A.R. celebrated the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. This signing marked the start of a long – as yet unfinished – journey toward granting all individuals equal opportunities with respect to shelter, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. It is a journey we are still treading, a journey that at times feels like it is heading backward.
Today, we are in the midst of yet another in a long string of unspeakable tragedies affecting our country: the May 25 death of George Floyd. We are profoundly saddened by this event and by the social unrest currently occurring nationwide, and we repudiate – in the strongest possible manner – the egregious instances of racial injustice continuing to occur.
These heinous events serve as constant reminders that intolerance and inequality are part of our American experience. And so we are compelled to speak out – against events that thrash the very values of inclusion and equality that we espouse. Not only for those buying, selling, or renting housing, but for everyone.
We cannot remain silent hoping it will go away. That’s not how it works. As a community of professionals working and living through extraordinarily challenging times, we must actively work for real change, and we must make certain that the opportunity to live a free, just and secure life exists for every individual. The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® remains committed to supporting the dignity and worth of all individuals, and to work vigorously to defend policies that bring justice, opportunity and security for all.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Radsick
C.A.R. President