TERRY GODDARD
April marks the anniversary of the 1968 U.S. Fair Housing Act – landmark civil rights law that, along with the Arizona Fair Housing Act, prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability.
As Arizona’s attorney general, it is my responsibility to enforce our Fair Housing Act and to educate our community about the importance of fair housing and the requirements of our civil rights laws.
Since 1968 we have come a long way toward achieving equal rights for all Arizonans, but there is still a great deal to be done.
Last year, 221 housing discrimination complaints were filed with my office. I’m proud to say 213 were resolved by our civil rights specialists in that same year.
Some housing violations take place because people are unaware of fair housing laws. Others are deliberate acts of discrimination. I encourage all Arizonans to learn more about their fair housing rights and responsibilities.
The Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General’s Office is always available to provide training to businesses and professional associations that are working to comply with the law.
Information on events and training provided by the division throughout the year can be found on the Attorney General’s Office Web site, www.azag.gov.
If you would like more information or feel you have been a victim of housing discrimination, the Attorney General’s Office is here to help.
Please call us at 602-542-5263 or e-mail us at civilrightsinfo@azag.gov.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office is working toward the day when fair housing in our state is no longer a goal but a reality.
Terry Goddard is Arizona’s attorney general.