“Why do we even need a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council?”
The short answer plus 3 questions every organization should be able to answer before disbanding or rebranding DEI
TL;DR — If you are short on time, here’s the CliffsNotes/SparkNotes to this edition:
“Why do we even need a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council?”
The short answer
Do you know the 3 questions that every organization should be able to answer before disbanding or rebranding their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts?
ICYMI (“In Case You Missed It” are articles and videos that have been conversation starters since the last newsletter)
Federal fair housing protections that have been rolledback in 2025!
In honor of Valentine’s Day this month: Are You A Real Estate Agent Who Clients Want to Swipe Right On?
Immigration: Fair Housing Edition
The $21 Billion reason why we need the CFPB despite calls by Elon Musk to “delete” it
What’s the Steph Curry of real estate?
An actual bank VP said what about fair housing/lending!?
Did you know President Trump got rid of THIS on Day One?!
“Why do we even need a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council?”
The short answer to “Why do we even need a diversity, equity and inclusion council?” is, “NOT everyone only sees green,” with the latest indictment against 165 Realtors, brokerages and landlords showing a glaring room for improvement.
Yet, I am quick to acknowledge that some who ask this are asking from a place where in their specific transactions, they are focused on the deal and not the external traits of people (they have no malintent). Kudos!
Here’s one example of what seems to be an earnest comment to this point on one of my posts:
But, make no mistake, that is not everyone’s reality (which I have documented in numerous articles and videos over the last several years: click here to review).
Case in point:
“I’ve been working with a Latino couple for months and have finally gotten them to the purchase stage. I like to think that issues are in the past. I’ve had a quick lesson in finding that’s not the case!” – Jo G., KW Realtor
It is for those people — who are not in a protective bubble — for whom we work and need to continue to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly among housing industry professionals.
“Representation matters in housing policy because lived experience shapes solutions.”
— Melody Barnes
“Fair housing begins with listening to those most impacted by injustice.”
— Tamika Mallory
“When we work together, fair housing becomes more than a goal—it becomes reality.”
— Donna Brazile
"Lifting as we climb." — Mary Church Terrell
Similarly, diversity, equity and inclusion councils help to proactively ensure that professionals and leadership come from ALL communities, including those that have historically been excluded (e.g. women, Veterans, those with accessibility needs, racial groups, etc.) from being Realtors and other professionals (such as mortgage lenders, appraisers, etc.).
Do you know the 3 questions that every organization should be able to answer BEFORE disbanding or rebranding their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts?
I share these 3 tenets almost every time I teach a continuing education class on fair housing so some of you may know the answer well... (For the sake of brevity in this newsletter, check out the full article as featured in Inman News here for the details.)
ICYMI
Inman News Feature: Did You Know? Fair Housing Protections Rolled Back On Day One Of Trump Presidency (click here to read)
Housing Wire Feature: Did You Know? President Trump Reversed These Fair Housing Protections on His First Day (click here to read)
Realtor Magazine YPN Lounge Feature: In Honor of Valentine’s Day This Month, Are You A Real Estate Agent Who Clients Want to Swipe Right On? (click here to read)