Dear Greater Boston REALTORS® and Friends,
The death of George Floyd and the subsequent acts of violence and civil disobedience that have taken place across our country during these past two weeks are upsetting and difficult to watch. They point to the anger, frustration and pain being felt by so many who have witnessed or been the victim of discrimination and injustice. Unfortunately, these experiences are all too common and have persisted for far too long across our nation.
As REALTORS® we pledge ourselves to uphold the fair housing laws and to provide equal treatment to all persons in the housing search and sale processes. And, as an association we are committed to a culture of inclusion and respect, fostering a welcoming environment for all types of business models, and advancing public policies that ensure diverse, cohesive, and safe communities for everyone.
It is in this spirit that we support the rights of the courageous protesters speaking out against inequality in our society and the many voices demanding change. No one should ever be made to feel excluded, treated unfairly, or be in fear for their life because of their race, skin color, or any other demographic factor.
However, there also is no justification for those persons who have used recent public demonstrations to destroy public and private property. These actions have been disheartening and they should not be a distraction from the message of the protesters.
REALTORS® have long been known for being good neighbors, whether it be through their investment in civic and charitable causes, support of community improvement and revitalization projects, or volunteerism serving in elected and appointed roles in local government. The adversity we’re facing today offers an opportunity for all of us to do our part to change the course of history through positive action and leadership in our communities.
Greater Boston Association of REALTORS®