Minneapolis spokesman., 1962-10-12

Instead, I feel 1t was a request for
answers to two specific questions
that I have heard frequently raised.
First, is it a violation Of the
Act for a realtor to discourage a
person from moving into a GER
tain area or to indicate that NOV
ing to such area could create prob
lens for the person involved?
If the reason for discouraging a
person or If the supposed prob
lens" relate to the race, color,
of the person involved, the realtors
creed, religion or national origin
action would violate the Act.
However, 1t would seem to be the
duty of a realtor at times to dis
courage a person or at least to
point out the problems Of moving
into a given area. For example, a
person planning to build $4,000
home probably should be discour-
aged from doing it in an area that
contains only homes of a much
lower valuation. But 1t would be
improper to discourage a Negro
from moving into a previously all
white area just as it would be a
violation to discourage a white
person from moving into a pre-
dominantly Negro area because of
possible racial problems.
The second question often raised
is, what is the obligation Of a
realtor when his client indicates
a determination to discriminate in
the sale, lease or rental Of real
property?
The answer to that question is
clear. The law forbids discrimin-
alton by realtors. A request by
another for the realtor to do some
thing that would violate the law
II the realtor did the act inde-
pendently does not relieve the
realtor Of his duty. 1t Is unthink-
able that a person could be jusd-
fled in breaking law because he
was asked to do 1t by another per-
son.
It has been said, however, that
this requires the realtor to spend
time and money, plus the time
and money Of a potential buyer,
inspecting housing the potential
buyer may be unable to purchase
because the seller may be exempt.
This may be the result in some
cases, although I believe the num-
Der would be minimaL
I am firmly convinced that the
majority of the citizens In Min
nesota favor the Act and will fol-
low the spirit Of the Act even If
they are exempt from its provis-
ions.
Secondly, the realtor can pro-
test himself by including in his
contract with the seller, lessor or
rentor, a provision whereby such
person agrees to sell, lease or rent
the property subject to this con-
tract In a non-discriminatory man
ner. II a realtor then provides q
willing buyer to whom his client
will not sell, he would be entitled
to his fee.
The important part Of this legis-
lation. however, as 1t relates to
realtors, Is not their legal duties
under the law, but the opportun-
tiles presented to them to aid In
the elimination Of housing discrim-
ination. This law Is not a cure-an
for the problems Of discrimination
in housing. Recent experiences
show clearly that the elimination
of discrimination Is a slow pro-
cess that requires the efforts OF
many people.
It Is very expensive when the
persons affected fight such laws.
For example, 1t Is estimated that
Iit will cost the taxpayers over
five million dollars to enroll James
Meredith In the University OF
Mississippi, because Governor Ross
Barnett and other state officials
resisted enforcement of Meredith's
constitutional right to enter.
On the other hand, the enforce
ment Of these laws can be SWIFT
and inexpensive II the persons In
volved, regardless of their personal
feelings, follow the requirements.
This Is shown by the ease with
which the University Of Georgia,
University Of Texas, University OF
Virginia and other schools have
been integrated.
The Minnesota Fair Housing Act
will not be easy to enforce without
the cooperation Of the landlords
S.,,.Ionnra and real estate brokers
In this state.
One of the most effective, and
in the long run the only, sound
way to effectuate the purposes OF
this Act Is by education. Every
person selling, leasing or renting
real estate must know and under
stand the requirements,
They must know the need for a
non-discriminatory policy IN re-
gard to housing. They need to be
Shown the falsity Of the myths
regarding real estate values In IN
tegrated areas where the persons
do not panic. They need to be edu-
Gated to the fact that fair housing
In fact raises property values by
opening many areas to a larger
number Of potential buyers.
Real estate agents who are In
daily contact with persons selling,
leasing or renting real estate are
in an excellent position to carry
out this educational program.
Much discrimination will be