Housing Segregation: One Example of Economic Injustice and What Can Be Done About It
Housing segregation was a tool engineered by the United States government as a form of white supremacy. And although the Fair Housing Act was implemented over 50 years ago, the gap in home ownership today between African Americans and whites is wider than it was during the Jim Crow era. Because home ownership is one of the best ways to build generational wealth and stability, the effect of housing discrimination, which still (illegally) exists today, is one of the largest threats to racial inequality in our country.
Despite multiple forms of housing discrimination, such as redlining, having been outlawed, there are still many ways, throughout the home buying process, in which discrimination continues today. African Americans are more likely to receive poor service from real estate agents by being shown fewer homes than whites and by being shown homes more often in predominantly black neighborhoods. African American home buyers are also disproportionately steered towards high interest and high-risk loans, regardless of income and creditworthiness. At the state level, throughout the country, public policy choices are made to build public-housing units in areas with higher rates of poverty and less available resources and opportunities. These public housing units are disproportionately occupied by people of color.
To make true inroads towards dismantling the devastating and generational effects of past discrimination, laws need to be passed at the Federal level. In 2015, the Obama administration sought to put more strength behind the fulfillment of the Fair Housing Act by not simply making discrimination illegal but by requiring jurisdictions to develop and implement plans for “taking meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities.” Sadly, President Donald Trump, who has his own history of housing discrimination, dismantled this policy. This policy should be reinstated and not be vulnerable to political parties in power. Fair housing testers have been used with both private and public funds to root out those practicing housing discrimination. This practice should continue and the consequences for those who are found to be implementing discriminatory housing practices should be increased in severity. Because lending discrimination still exists today, it is necessary to continue the efforts implemented by the Obama administration through the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force; an interagency task force that seeks to coordinate resources and justice for those who have been hurt by financial racism.
Although it is illegal to discriminate based on race, municipalities still circumvent this by discriminating based on zoning policies that prevent the non-wealthy from moving into many neighborhoods and thus attending the high performing schools that service these neighborhoods. If there was more authorization for high-density and multifamily zoning and a relaxation in lot size restrictions and mandatory parking requirements, wealthier neighborhoods with more resources and economic opportunities could become more accessible to those who have historically been shut out.
As a person who owns three homes in Boulder County and benefits tremendously from generational gains made by discriminatory housing practices, I acknowledge that it is going to take more than just recognizing what is unfair about our political and economic systems. I pay close attention to local ballot initiatives and decisions being considered by City Council when it comes housing policy. Naturally, there is a part within me that cares about how certain policies would affect the value of my homes. Sometimes City Council considers policies that would affect updates I could make, how much I could rent out a unit for, or how dense housing would be in my neighborhood, which might lower my property value. I watch council members also worry and sometimes make decisions that protect their own financial interests. But the thing is, if we are going to make true inroads, we must look beyond our own personal interests. For most who are able to own a home in Boulder, they are likely going to be more than financially fine for the rest of their lives. The same is likely true for their offspring.
So how do we get to a place where we can be still enough to embody this sense of wellness and then have the capacity to look beyond ourselves to consider supporting options that extend well being and stability to others? I believe that this journey always starts within. No matter how educated someone is, it is hard to make choices that benefit others but that perhaps disrupt our own economics gains if we already feel vulnerable. And there is no sense in shaming ourselves or others for these feelings. Shame drives potential progress underground and exacerbates the systemic nature of our societal issues. So first, we must address our own feelings of dis-ease however often that may creep up. And from there, learn about what policies could bring more equity to our society and support them in whatever way you can. Weather that is through voting, using your purchasing power wisely, canvasing, or maybe even running for office yourself. When someone feels whole within, it becomes nearly impossible to turn a blind eye to injustice without. Care for yourself and care for others as best you can. All of it and any of it matters.
Source:
Richard D. Kahlenberg and Kimberly Quick. The Government Created Housing Segregation. Here’s How the Government Can End It. The American Prospect. July 2, 2019. prospect.org/civil-rights/government-created-housing-segregation.-government-can-end-it./
Additional information: Reveal did an excellent report and podcast episode on racial disparities in lending. If you’re questioning whether such practices actually exist, listen to this episode. It’s astounding.
