On Monday, at the start of Celebrate Diversity month and Fair Housing Month, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a new campaign and training initiative aimed at protecting people from harassment.
“Complaints we receive and cases we see tell us that there are some housing providers who unfortunately prey on vulnerable men and women,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “No one should have to tolerate harassment or unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over their head, and HUD will continue to take appropriate action when discrimination of this type occurs.”
During the Department's Fair Housing Month opening program, HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity will introduce the program, titled “The Call HUD: Because Sexual Harassment in Housing is Illegal” campaign. According to HUD, the aim of the campaign will be to increase the Department’s efforts to educate the public about what behaviors constitute sexual harassment and what to do and who to contact if they experience it where they live. In a statement, HUD says that the campaign is designed to “help protect people from harassment by landlords, property managers, and maintenance workers in HUD-assisted housing.”
“April is Fair Housing Month, a time when we celebrate the Fair Housing Act and recommit ourselves to ensuring every American has access to housing that is free from discrimination,” said HUD in a statement. “The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to discriminate in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status. This year, 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.”
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