So... how did we end up here?

Our nation was built “…by the people, for the people” and we are “created equal…with unalienable rights that are among these are life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.” Yet there are times, like today, when discrimination and hatred of others become louder and more invasive. Currently:

• A third of Americans endorse some form of the tenants of the “Great Replacement” theory (University of Massachusetts)
• Only 31% of Americans are satisfied with the state of race relations (Gallup)
• 81% of Americans say Black people face at least some discrimination (Pew Research Center)
• 76% of Americans say Hispanic people face at least some discrimination (Pew Research Center)
• 71% of Americans say AANHPI people face at least some discrimination (Pew Research Center)
• 4 in 10 women have experienced discrimination at work because of their gender (Pew Research Center)
• HRC, the leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization declared a “National State of Emergency" for LGBTQ+ Americans because of the onslaught on anti-LGBTQ+ bills being signed into law in states across the nation. (HRC)

Far too many are being impacted by the current wave of hate and discrimination. This includes those being forced to leave, or consider, leaving their homes, friends, families and jobs for safer communities. Whether it be a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills, unprecedented anti-Asian and anti Hispanic hate crimes or opposition to the Black Lives Matter efforts, the vocal minority is loud.

Yet we know that:

• 91% of Americans believe LGBTQ+ people should have the freedom to live their life and not be discriminated against (GLAAD)
• 80% of Americans want to work for a company that values diversity, equity and inclusion (CNBC/SurveyMonkey Workforce Survey)

We believe that the overwhelming majority of real estate professionals are against hate. They recognize the vocal minority is driving a wedge between us all and creating an inhospitable environment in communities around the nation.

We also believe in the power of our real estate industry and recognize our leadership stance affords us the opportunity to drive positive change. We are more than 1.5 million strong, we contribute between 15-18% to the U.S. gross domestic product (NAHB) and we are leaders and influencers in our communities.

It is time for the majority - the real estate majority - to be a catalyst for change and eliminate hate in our nation.