Roots of Structural Racism Deepen with Dismantling of Anti-Discrimination Rules, say Housing Advocates
Trump administration terminates fair housing protection, tweets promote segregation

7/29/2020

Last week, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson announced that the Department will terminate the Obama Administration’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) regulation issued in 2015. Under the 2015 AFFH mandate, municipalities receiving federal assistance must take meaningful actions to eliminate discriminatory policies and practices that perpetuate racially segregated, under-resourced communities. Today, President Trump tweeted inaccurate information about the rule, and lauded housing segregation as a result. Housing and Community Development Network of NJ President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement:

“Ending this rule, and tweeting sickening racist and hateful messages is reprehensible and divisive. Our nation is more united than ever before against structural racism, but Trump’s actions deepen the discrimination and inequity we are working to end. The AFFH creates more housing opportunities for people who have been historically excluded from predominantly white neighborhoods. Now, the federal government will not hold these communities accountable for their effort to end segregation and discriminatory practices.

“Dr. Anthony Fauci testified before Congress that institutional racism has contributed to the disproportional impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on Black and Brown communities. We know countless families of color are experiencing disproportionate income and job loss and are at greater risk of being evicted from their homes. Trump should be working to make sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to live during this pandemic, when housing is finally being recognized as a critical component of our collective health. We urge him and all of our elected officials to reject housing segregation and racist housing policies and call on him to reinstate the AFFH rule and protect the civil rights of all of our neighbors.”

For more information: Nina Rainiero
(609) 393-3752 x1200
Website: hcdnnj.org
Twitter site: twitter.com/hcdnnj
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