HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-03-2018 4-b - Fair Housing Month Proclamation
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 3, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: Fair Housing Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations Department
ATTACHMENT(S):
Fair Housing Month Proclamation
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Annette Moore, Director, Human Rights
and Relations, 919-245-2317
PURPOSE: To proclaim April as Fair Housing Month in Orange County, North Carolina.
BACKGROUND: The month of April is National Fair Housing Month. April 2018 will mark the
50th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the 24th
anniversary of the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance. These laws grant every person a right
to live where they choose, free from discrimination on the basis race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, familial status, or disability.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has chosen “Fifty Years of Opening
Doors” as the 2018 Fair Housing Month theme. The chosen theme expresses the ideal of fair
and equal housing opportunities in every community.
Established in 1987, the Orange County Human Relations Commission (“HRC”) is charged with
enforcing the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance that prohibits discrimination in housing and
public accommodations on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, familial status, national origin,
color, veteran’s status and disability.
During Fair Housing Month the Human Rights and Relations Department and the Human
Relations Commission along with other community organizations will co-sponsor a variety of
events to commemorate Fair Housing Month.
Sunday
April 15, 2018
Making Sense of it All: Exploring the Complexities of Sexual
Harassment
Whitted Human Services Center Complex located at 300 West
Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278
3:00 - 5:00
Saturday
April 21, 2018
Emergency Preparedness Power of Attorney Clinic
Whitted Human Services Center Complex located at 300 West
Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278
8:30 – 4:30
Sunday
April 29, 2018
21st Annual Community Dinner (ticketed event)
McDougle Middle School 890 Old Fayetteville Road,
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
1:00 – 3:00
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More information about these events can be found at:
http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/human_rights_and_relations/index.php
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
Fair and equal housing opportunities is not only a legal mandate, it is an Orange County priority
which can bring about a community that is both harmonious and diverse.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
WHEREAS, April 11, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of
1968 (formally known as the Fair Housing Act) and the 35th anniversary of the
North Carolina Fair Housing Act prohibiting discrimination in housing on the
basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability and familial status;
and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners enacted the Orange County Civil
Rights Ordinance on June 6, 1994, which affords to the residents of Orange
County the protections guaranteed by the Fair Housing Act and additionally
encompasses the protected classes of Veteran Status and Age; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as
well as concerned residents and the housing industry are working to make fair
housing opportunities possible for everyone by encouraging others to abide by the
letter and the spirit of fair housing laws; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annually declares the
month of April as National Fair Housing Month, designating Fifty Years of
Opening Doors as the national theme and ideal for 2018; and
WHEREAS, despite the protections afforded by the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance
and the Fair Housing Act, illegal housing discrimination still occurs in our nation
and within our County; and
WHEREAS, by supporting and promoting fair housing and equal opportunity, we are
contributing to the strength of our County, State and Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County North
Carolina, do proclaim April 2018 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH and commend this observance
to all Orange County residents.
This the 3rd day of April 2018.
____________________________________
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
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