A Joint Resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.
Whereas, 2018 marks the 50thanniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act; and
Whereas, In the mid 1960s, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the Chicago Freedom Movement, a campaign to extend civil rights activities to northern cities due to the prevalence of housing discrimination throughout the United States; and
Whereas, On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law, seven days after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
Whereas, The Fair Housing Act sought to reverse decades of discriminatory housing practices, establish protections for minority individuals, and advance equal opportunity in housing policy in prohibiting discrimination in housing rental, sales, or negotiations based on the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin of the tenant or purchaser; and
Whereas, Prior to the signing of the Fair Housing Act, race-based housing discrimination patterns were prevalent across the United States and prevented many Americans from obtaining adequate housing; and
Whereas, A process known as “redlining,” or the refusal to lend money or extend credit to those living in certain towns or districts, often based on the demographic makeup of those areas, adversely impacted poor and minority communities by making it difficult for those individuals to obtain a mortgage; and
Whereas, The Fair Housing Act outlawed redlining, acknowledging the fact that housing location has a direct impact on an individual’s quality of health, education, and economic opportunity; and
Whereas, Lack of access to safe, quality, affordable housing negatively impacts an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing, and has a particularly significant impact on children; and
Whereas, New Jersey is committed to promoting fair housing policies and fostering inclusive communities in accordance with the Fair Housing Act; and
Whereas, Therefore, it is appropriate to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The Governor and Legislature of the State of New Jersey hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing Act.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approved December 26, 2018.