Not very long ago, Arizonans learned in segregated schools and ate at segregated lunch counters.  Some citizens were refused entry into other public places based on race.  Economic disparity, deed restrictions and discriminatory attitudes routinely prevented minorities from owning homes or living in the neighborhood of their choice.  Across Arizona and much of the nation, when minorities wanted to buy or rent, they were often told they were not welcome or were steered to other neighborhoods.

This week marks the 38th anniversary of the adoption of the Fair Housing Act as part of the 1968 Civil Rights Act.  The goal of Fair Housing is to make sure discrimination no longer exists.  This week we celebrate substantial progress toward achieving that goal.   

The Attorney General’s Office sees cases every week of housing discrimination on the basis of race, family status and disability.  Our efforts receive crucial support from the Arizona Fair Housing Partnership, which brings together government, realtors, housing, lenders, industry, nonprofits and advocacy groups.

This week, the Partnership honored Sedona realtor Edward Pennington.  In 2004, he represented a couple from California who presented a better than full-price offer on a residential lot in Sedona.  The lot was owned by the adjacent homeowners who rejected the offer, telling Mr. Pennington they would not sell to "Black people."

Mr. Pennington recognized the refusal to sell as a violation of Fair Housing and reported the sellers’ comments to my Office.  He gave up a very large commission to report this violation of law.  Our Civil Rights Division investigated and filed suit.  The lawsuit was resolved this month with a payment totaling $185,000 from the homeowners.

Some housing violations take place because people are unaware of fair housing laws.  Others are deliberate acts of discrimination.  Whatever the reason, we are working toward the day when Fair Housing in Arizona is no longer a goal but a reality.

The Fair Housing Partnership and my Office are working hard to make sure private landowners, homeowner associations, property management companies, realtors, RV parks and landlords understand the Fair Housing laws and know where to turn for information or to report a violation.  Information on how to report a violation is posted on the Civil Rights page of the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov.  You can also call 602.542.5263 (Phoenix) or 520.628.6500 (Tucson).

Terry Goddard