April 2021: Fair Housing Month

WHEREAS, it is Michigan law to provide fair housing opportunities throughout Michigan regardless of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, and familial status; and,

WHEREAS, April 11, 2021, marks the 53^rd anniversary of the passage of the federal Fair Housing Law Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, which creates a national policy for fair housing; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights enforces state and federal fair housing laws, and Michigan residents who face housing discrimination have the right to file a complaint with the Department; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan joins the federal government in educating local governments, community leaders, realty companies, and housing associations for fair housing laws and policies to reduce the number of incidents of housing discrimination and fair housing law violations; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan joins the federal government in encouraging local governments to intensify their efforts to further the purpose of the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act; and,  

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority continue to support communities in their efforts to provide Michiganders with safe and affordable housing through the use of state and federal programs; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is leading the development of Michigan's first collaborative statewide housing plan;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as Fair Housing Month in Michigan.