Each April, HUD observes Fair Housing Month. The theme for the 2020 commemoration is Call HUD: Because Sexual Harassment in Housing is Illegal.
“Complaints we receive demonstrate the importance of continuing our commitment to shining a light on this form of discrimination and letting everyone know that HUD is here to help,” HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Anna Maria Farias said in a news release. “Even as the nation is dealing with a health crisis unlike any we have experienced in recent history, HUD is open for business and working to ensure that no one has to tolerate harassment or unwanted sexual advances in the place they call home.”
This year’s theme focuses on protecting individuals from harassment by property owners, managers, maintenance workers or other residents, and helps to educate the public about what behaviors and actions constitute sexual harassment and resources HUD offers to those that experience harassment.
“While any form of discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of individuals to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from sexual harassment or unwanted sexual advances,” HUD Secretary Ben Carson said in the release. “This theme, which is a call to action, is an appeal to those who experience discrimination, particularly survivors of sexual harassment, to contact HUD for help. Much work remains to be done, but HUD’s efforts in this area are already producing real results for real people.”
In addition to approving several conciliation agreements recently with housing Napa Valley, Calif., providers resolving allegations of sexual harassment, HUD continues to work with the Department of Justice to combat sexual harassment in housing through a nationwide joint initiative.
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